Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident took place in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

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

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.