Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's autumn internationals.
South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.
The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.
After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.
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Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:
"Any athlete must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
However, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
