The player will be unavailable for the Springboks' upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.
The altercation took place in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.
Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.
The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:
"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
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