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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

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

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.