Toulouse's Tekori cleared for European Cup semifinal duty

Toulouse's Samoan lock Joe Tekori was on Thursday cleared to play in Sunday's European Champions Cup semifinal against holders Leinster despite having been cited for a dangerous tackle in last weekend's Top 14 victory over Clermont.

The 35-year-old was at risk of a receiving a suspension for a challenge which left opponent Yohan Beheregaray unconscious and having to be carried off the field of play on a stretcher.

However, the French National Rugby League (LNR) said on Thursday that the 37-time capped Tekori "had made his best efforts to make a regular tackle by stooping and using his arms".

Tekori, who has been a Toulouse player since 2013, had asked the LNR for a speedy decision in the matter to allow him to feature in the club's first European semifinal in eight years.