Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.