Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right 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 Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.