Saracens clear Totoa Auvaa after nightclub incident involving Ben Stokes
Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa will face no formal disciplinary action from his club following a nightclub altercation that briefly cost England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson their Test places.
The 21-year-old Samoan back-row was involved in a late-night incident during the early hours of 8 June.
He reportedly threw a punch aimed at fast bowler Atkinson, which missed and instead struck an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard.
Security Staff Member Declines Police Action
The staff member required stitches for the resulting injury but chose not to escalate the matter to the authorities.
Following the initial news of the altercation, Stokes and Atkinson were immediately stood down from England’s second Test match against New Zealand.
The national team captain and his Surrey team-mate faced an immediate disciplinary investigation regarding a potential breach of strict team protocols.
Independent Regulator Finds Insufficient Evidence
The independent Cricket Regulator subsequently reviewed the clash and found insufficient evidence to formally charge the international duo.
A parallel ECB investigation also cleared the cricketers of any major wrongdoing, paving the way for their swift return to action.
Despite avoiding match bans, the players did receive written conduct warnings for contravening specific contractual obligations.
They were immediately recalled to the senior squad and are currently participating in the ongoing third Test.
Premiership Club Closes the Case
Following the conclusion of the cricket authorities’ investigations, Saracens conducted their own internal review into the rugby prospect’s behaviour.
The Premiership side released a statement confirming they would not be penalising the forward and consider the issue entirely resolved.
Whilst the events that occurred in the early hours of Monday, 8 June are regrettable for all parties involved, the club remains supportive of the player concerned.
Having thoroughly reviewed the matter, the club has concluded that no further action is required and now considers the matter closed.
