Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened 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 appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team 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.