South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.