Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa has avoided formal sanctions over the nightclub incident involving England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson.
Auvaa, a 21-year-old Samoan back-row, threw a punch at Atkinson in the early hours of June 8, which missed and struck an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard.
The security guard required stitches but opted not to report the matter to the police.
England captain Stokes and team-mate Atkinson were subsequently stood down from the second Test against New Zealand pending the results of an disciplinary investigation into a breach of team protocols.
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Supportive
They were recalled for the ongoing third Test after an investigation by the independent Cricket Regulator found “insufficient evidence” against the pair.
A parallel investigation by the ECB also absolved Stokes and Atkinson of any wrongdoing, albeit they were issued with written conduct warnings for contravening “specific contractual obligations”.
Having concluded its own review, a statement from Prem Rugby club Saracens read: “Whilst the events that occurred in the early hours of Monday, 8 June 2026 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.”
Unhappy
In a statement released this week confirming the recalls of Stokes and Atkinson, the ECB referred to “unprovoked attacks” and multiple “incidents” in the Rex Rooms in Chelsea.
On Wednesday, Stokes spoke publicly for the first time since the incident, revealing he had apologised to team-mates while refusing to offer any guarantees over his long-term future.
Saracens are unhappy they were not given more time to conclude their investigation before the ECB announced its findings.
The ECB declined to comment on the criticism.
PICTURE: David Davies/PA
Input
“Saracens is satisfied that its independent review was conducted thoroughly and in accordance with the club’s internal procedures and standards,” read the statement.
“The ECB contacted the club as part of its review process. Saracens made clear that it wished to complete its own internal investigation before reaching any conclusions.
“The ECB subsequently concluded its process and issued its statement without any input from Saracens.”
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