Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

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

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.