Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

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

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

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

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

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

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.