Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

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

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.