Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

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

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.