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

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

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

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.