Billy Vunipola’s red card from the European Champions Cup game against the Bulls has been overturned, giving Saracens a significant lift before their upcoming match against Connacht.
Vunipola, a key player for Saracens, was initially dismissed in the 52nd minute during their game at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria for a dangerous clearout at a ruck. The incident occurred after Lucio Cinti carried the ball, and Vunipola charged into the breakdown, resulting in a shoulder-to-head collision with the Bulls’ Cameron Hanekom.
Referee Andrea Piardi issued the red card after consulting with TMO Eric Gauzins. Saracens were reduced to 14 players for the rest of the game, which ended in a 27-16 defeat.
This red card was Vunipola’s second in five months, following a previous dismissal for a tackle on Ireland’s Andrew Porter in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match. That incident led to a three-match suspension, preventing Vunipola from participating in England’s opening World Cup game against Argentina.
The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) released a statement explaining the foul play laws and sanctions. According to the statement, Vunipola is now free to play immediately, although EPCR retains the right to appeal the decision. The statement outlined the sanctions for Law 9.12, which deals with physical abuse, including striking with the hand, arm, elbow, or shoulder, with varying degrees of suspension depending on the severity of the offense.
