Vunipola facing foul play charge

Saracens back-row forward Billy Vunipola is to face a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel after being accused of foul play during last weekend's English Premiership win over Leicester.

The RFU, in a statement issued Monday, said the England international had been cited for striking Leicester's Mathew Tait with his head during Sarries' 22-6 win at Allianz Park, a match in which Vunipola scored a try.

"Billy Vunipola (Saracens) will appear before an RFU Disciplinary Panel tomorrow (April 14) after being cited following the Aviva Premiership Round 19 match against Leicester Tigers at Allianz Park," an RFU statement said.

The statement added the panel would "review the offence of striking Mathew Tait with the head, contrary to Law 10.4 (a), or, in the alternative, charging into a ruck, contrary to Law 10.4 (h)."

The panel will also consider the case of Leicester centre Vereniki Goneva, cited for striking Saracens' Kelly Brown with his forearm in the same match, but the player has chosen not to attend the hearing in central London.
Source: AFP