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

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

This event happened in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

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