Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

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 Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.