Will Chudley cleared of charges ahead of Premiership final

As a big boost to the Exeter Chiefs' Premiership campaign, scrum-half Will Chudley has been cleared of the charges laid against him and now will be available to take on Saracens in the final on Saturday.

Chudley was cited during during Exeter's play-off encounter against Wasps last weekend where he was seen kicking lock Joe Launchbury in an attempt to dislodge the ball from a ruck.

After appearing before a disciplinary panel in Bristol on Wednesday, the Rugby Football Union declared that the tackle made by the 28-year-old was not intentional.

“The panel concluded that the contact to Launchbury was caused as a result of Chudley's knee being deflected off the thigh of (Wasps prop) Matt Mullan”, said the statement.

"It was therefore deemed not reckless, and the charge was dismissed.

"The panel comprised John Doubleday, Nick Dark and Daniel White (chairman)."

Chudley has been a vital cog in this season for Exeter as they chase their maiden Premiership victory against the recently crowned European Champions Cup winners Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday.

In their previous three meetings, Saracens have won two while Rob Baxter’s men have won one.