Saracens
Saracens star Vunipola cleared of head-butting
PA Sport
April 14, 2015
Billy Vunipola makes a run
Billy Vunipola makes a run© David Rogers/Getty Images

Saracens forward Billy Vunipola is free to play in Saturday's European Champions Cup semi-final at Clermont Auvergne after being cleared of head-butting.

The 22-year-old England number eight, who was cited for allegedly striking Leicester's Matthew Tait during his side's 22-6 Aviva Premiership victory over the Tigers at the weekend, had his case dismissed after an Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel hearing on Tuesday evening.

An RFU statement said: "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)."

The news will come as a relief to both Vunipola and his club as they prepare to face Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in St Etienne on Saturday afternoon.

However, Leicester winger Vereniki Goneva will be suspended for one week after pleading guilty to striking Saracens' Kelly Brown with his forearm during the dame game at Allianz Park.

Goneva will miss the Tigers' home game against London Welsh on April 25 as a result.

© PA Sport

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