Saracens sack player who sparked Stokes captaincy crisis after latest incident

Saracens have sacked the rugby player who sparked English cricket’s captaincy crisis on a night out with Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson last summer following his involvement in another alcohol-related incident.

In a statement released on Monday evening, Saracens confirmed that Totoa Auvaa, a 21-year-old Samoan forward, has been dismissed following an internal investigation into an incident in St Albans last weekend.

In the Guardian app, tap the Profile settings button at the top right, then select Notifications. Turn on sport notifications.

If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.

If you don't have the Guardian app, download it from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.

Auvaa triggered the chain of events that resulted in Stokes resigning as England Test captain and retiring from international cricket by throwing a punch at Atkinson in a Chelsea nightclub in June, which led to both cricketers being stood down from the second Test match of England’s 2-1 series defeat against New Zealand.

While both players returned for the third Test, Stokes’s unhappiness at the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) handling of the matter influenced his sudden retirement on the fourth day at Trent Bridge.

Auvaa’s punch missed Atkinson and struck an ECB security guard, who required stitches but did not report the matter to the police, while Saracens also opted not to take disciplinary action, as revealed by the Guardian.

Auvaa, who made his senior Saracens debut off the bench in the Prem Rugby Cup victory over Northampton last month, was given a final warning following other alcohol-related incidents, however, and has now left the club.

“Saracens can confirm that Totoa Auvaa, a member of the senior men’s academy, has left the club with immediate effect,” the club said. “Following an incident over the weekend, the club has determined that his conduct was inconsistent with the standards and values expected of all individuals representing Saracens, both on and off the field.

“Saracens takes its responsibilities to its supporters, partners and the wider community seriously. The club remains committed to upholding the highest standards of behaviour, integrity and accountability across the organisation. The club will not be making any further comment on this matter.”

Hertfordshire police also confirmed they were investigating an alleged assault in the early hours of Sunday morning in St Albans. “Police are investigating an altercation which occurred between 2.15am and 2.20am on Sunday [11 October] in St Peter’s Street, St Albans,” a statement read. “It is alleged a man aged in his 20s was approached by another man who then punched him to the face. Inquiries are ongoing at this time.”

In a statement confirming that no action was being taken against Auvaa in June, Saracens criticised the ECB for failing to consult them before releasing a statement which referred to their employees being victims of “unprovoked attacks”.

Saracens said the events were “regrettable” but that they were “supportive” of their player.

The ECB was bemused that no action was taken against Auvaa, particularly given Stokes and Atkinson both missed a Test match despite being blameless.