Auvaa Not Disciplined for June 8 Nightclub Incident
Totoa Auvaa, a Saracens academy player, will not face formal disciplinary action following an incident on 8 June that sparked a captaincy crisis within the England rugby team.
reports that Auvaa, a 21-year-old Samoan back-row, will not be sanctioned by either Saracens or the Rugby Football Union (RFU) despite having thrown a punch at his England teammate Gus Atkinson.
Although Auvaa’s punch missed Atkinson and instead struck a security guard employed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the guard required stitches but chose not to report the incident to the police.
Saracens' Review and Outcome
Saracens committed to reviewing the incident after becoming aware of it approximately two weeks ago. This review process has now been completed.
A source familiar with the Saracens investigation stated that while Auvaa received a stern reprimand and was warned about his conduct, no formal sanctions were imposed on the former Samoa Under-20 captain.
Saracens confirmed to that their review has concluded but declined to provide further details.
RFU and ECB Responses
The RFU has not initiated an investigation, viewing the matter as an employment issue between the player and his club, despite having overall disciplinary authority in English rugby.
The ECB is reportedly puzzled by the absence of action against Auvaa, especially since Stokes and Atkinson were suspended from the second Test match against New Zealand after their own investigation determined they were victims of unprovoked violent attacks.
In a statement issued earlier this week ahead of the third Test against New Zealand, which commenced on Thursday, the ECB referred to “unprovoked attacks” and multiple “incidents” occurring at the Rex Rooms in Chelsea during the early hours of Monday 8 June.
Both Stokes and Atkinson missed the second Test and received formal written warnings from the ECB for breaching the terms of their central contracts.
“No blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub,” the ECB statement said. “Stokes was not involved in the altercation and did not witness either incident. The evidence the ECB has seen demonstrates that Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate on either occasion.”
Details of the Nightclub Incident
The Saracens players were celebrating their end-of-season party at the White Horse pub in Chelsea when they encountered England players celebrating their victory at Lord’s on Sunday 7 June.
Some players were already acquainted and reportedly interacted amicably. However, an altercation occurred later that evening at the nearby Rex Rooms after most England players had returned to their hotel.
Saracens have not issued further comments since their statement to Sky Sports News two weeks ago, which read:
“The club is currently establishing the full facts and is in contact with the relevant authorities and individuals involved. Once this process is complete, the matter will be reviewed and addressed appropriately.”
Player Profile and Future Prospects
Auvaa has yet to play a senior game for Saracens, having spent the previous season on loan at Championship side Ampthill. Despite this, he is highly regarded within the club and is expected to be offered a senior contract.
