South African Rugby Star Jan-Hendrik Wessels Serves Nine-Week Ban for Grabbing Opponent's Genitals, Missing Autumn Internationals

South African rugby international Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been banned for nine weeks after being found guilty of grabbing, twisting, or squeezing the genitals of opponent Josh Murphy during a United Rugby Championship match between the Bulls and Connacht. Although Wessels initially faced a 12-week suspension, the ban was reduced due to his good conduct and disciplinary record. Murphy was initially given a red card for retaliating by striking Wessels but that red card has since been rescinded. The incident occurred during a ruck, and the referee at the time did not penalize Wessels as the video evidence was inconclusive. Wessels will miss South Africa's upcoming Autumn Internationals against teams including Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales. He has the option to appeal the ban, but until then, he is sidelined from the international squad.