Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

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

This event happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an violation.

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

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.