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

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

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