South African Player Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.