South African Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels 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 face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.