Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

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

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

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