South African Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension 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 victory over the Irish province.

This event took place in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

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

While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.