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

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

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

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.