Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.