South African Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with opposing player 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 examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."

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

However, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.