Saracens get lucky: Billy Vunipola red card inexplicably rescinded

Saracens have received a boost ahead of their second European Champions Cup match against Connacht after hearing that Billy Vunipola will have his red card from the match against the Bulls rescinded.

In the 52nd minute of the match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, the seasoned number eight was sent off for a reckless clearout at a ruck shortly after a scrum.

Billy Vunipola red card is inexplicably rescinded

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After centre Lucio Cinti carried the ball, the 31-year-old surged into the breakdown and made shoulder-to-head collision with Bulls opponent Cameron Hanekom in a blatant instant of reckless play.

Referee Andrea Piardi gave the red card following a review by TMO Eric Gauzins. This meant that Saracens played with 14 men for the remainder of the match, which they ultimately lost 27-16.

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Vunipola was red carded for the second time in the space of five months after being sent off and suspended for tackling Ireland’s Andrew Porter, in a warm-up match for the Rugby World Cup.

After that tackle, Vunipola was given a three-match suspension and was unable to play in England’s opening World Cup encounter against Argentina.

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EPCR statement

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) issued a statement, which reads: “Law 9.12 Physical abuse of an opponent – punching or striking with hand, arm, elbow or shoulder. Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 relating to striking with the hand, arm, elbow or shoulder carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.

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“Law 9.11 Reckless or dangerous play – leading with the elbow or forearm.

“Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.11 relating to dangerous play carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.

“An independent disciplinary committee comprising Jennifer Donovan (Ireland), chair, Tony Wheat (Ireland) and Valeriu Toma (Romania), viewed footage of the incident and heard evidence by video conference from Vunipola, who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card.

“The committee also heard submissions from the Saracens director of rugby, Mark McCall, from the Saracens team manager, Warrick Lang, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

“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.

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