Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The altercation happened in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.
Following Murphy complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:
"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.
Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
