Vunipola cleared to play

Saracens No 8 Billy Vunipola is free to play against Connacht this weekend after the red card he received in last weekend’s Champions Cup loss at the Bulls was overturned, tournament organisers announced on Wednesday.

The England international was sent off in Saturday’s defeat in South Africa for striking opposition back-rower Cameron Hanekom in the head at a ruck but a disciplinary hearing cleared him of a suspension.

“The committee determined that Vunipola had committed an act of foul play, however, it decided that there was insufficient force in the contact to Hanekom’s head to warrant a red card, and the red card was therefore overturned,” European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) said in a statement.

“Vunipola is free to play immediately and EPCR has the right to appeal the decision,” it added.

Three-time Champions Cup winners Saracens welcome Irish province Connacht in their second round match on Saturday.

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AFP

(NAMPA / AFP)