South African Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states: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 touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international 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 currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.