Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

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

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

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

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.