Taniela Tupou cleared to play for Rebels ahead of Super Rugby play offs

Melbourne Rebels prop Taniela Tupou has been cleared to play after his citing complaint for a dangerous play was dismissed.

Tupou was cited for a dangerous tackle on lock Darcy Swain during their previous round Super Rugby Pacific clash against Brumbies which they went on to lose 17-53.

Even though he was not punished by the on field referee, the SANZAAR judiciary felt that Tupou's action warranted a red card.

SANZAAR foul play review committee reviewed the case on Monday and decided that Tupou's tackle did not meet the threshold of a red card.

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence ... the Foul Play Review Committee found the foul play did not reach the red card threshold," said Committee Chair Stephen Hardy.

"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a warning as it was close to, but did not reach the red card threshold.

"In light of the above, the citing was dismissed with a warning sanction imposed on the player for the offence."

Rebels are positioned seventh in the Super Rugby Pacific table with five wins from 13 matches. They will be taking on Fijian Drua in the next round on 1st June at Churchill Park.