Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

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

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.