Vunipola free to play for Saracens against Clermont

England and Saracens No.8 Billy Vunipola is free to play in this weekend’s European Rugby champions cup Semi-final against Clermont after having his citing for striking with the head dismissed.

Twenty-two-year-old Vunipola pleaded not guilty of striking Leicester’s Mathew Tait with his head and is now free to play in Saturday’s European Champions Cup semi-final at Clermont Auvergne.

The panel of Philip Evans (chair), Bonike Erinle and Martyn Wood dismissed the citing for striking Mathew Tait with his head, contrary to Law 10.4 (a), or, in the alternative, charging into a ruck, contrary to Law 10.4 (h).

Meanwhile Leicester centre Vereniki Goneva was suspended for one week , having pleaded guilty to the charge, after being cited for striking Saracens’ Kelly Brown with his forearm.

Both incidents occurred during Saracens’ 22-6 win over Leicester in the Premiership on Saturday.

The ban includes the Tigers game against London Welsh on 25 April.