Saracens' Billy Vunipola cleared of head-butting to play in semi

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.

He will be key to Saracens' aspirations as the sole English club remaining in the competiton travel to the Stade Marcel Michelin to take on the team they defeated at the same stage in last season's tournament.

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