Billy Vunipola: Saracens number eight has red card overturned

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, Billy Vunipola was sent off in the second half of Saracens' Champions Cup defeat by Bulls

Saracens' Billy Vunipola has had his red card during the team's Investec Champions Cup defeat by Bulls overturned by a disciplinary panel.

The number eight was sent off in the 52nd minute after making direct head contact with Cameron Hanekom.

The committee ruled the act was foul play but there was insufficient force to warrant a sending-off.

Bristol's Kalaveti Ravouvou has also had his citing for a dangerous tackle during their win over Lyon dismissed.

The Fijian winger was sent to the sin-bin for the tip tackle on Alexandre Tchaptchet. However, while it was deemed foul play, a yellow card was ruled as sufficient.

Vunipola is free to play in Saracens' home match against Connacht this Saturday as they search for their first win in the European competition, while Ravouvou is also available for Bristol's trip to Bordeaux.