Bristol Bears sign Totoa Auvaa two weeks after Saracens sacking

Bristol Bears have signed Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa, two weeks after he was sacked by Saracens.

Auvaa, 21, was let go by the Premiership club following an incident in St Albans that police are investigating. The club stated that his conduct had fallen "short of the standards expected of everyone who represents Saracens, both on and off the pitch."

Director of rugby at Bristol, Pat Lam, said Auvaa's agent had reached out to him to see if he would be willing to help the player and offer him a second chance. Lam, a former Samoan international, expressed his belief that young people deserve the opportunity to learn from their experiences and grow.

"Totoa is a big, physical young man with enormous potential, who unfortunately has made some mistakes since arriving from a small village in Samoa to the massive city of London," Lam told Bristol's website. "Having spent time with Totoa, I feel confident that we can provide him with the mentorship, guidance, support and structure to give him the best possible opportunity to succeed, not just as a rugby player, but as a person."

Auvaa had previously been involved in a nightclub altercation in June with England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, during which a member of England's security staff was injured. At the time, Saracens said they would stand by him.

However, the St Albans incident prompted the club to terminate his contract. Hertfordshire Police confirmed they are investigating an altercation that occurred on Sunday, October 11, in St Peter's Street, St Albans, where it was alleged a man was punched in the face. Enquiries are ongoing.

Auvaa's disciplinary record also includes two red cards for violent conduct while on loan at Championship club Ampthill last season. His youth, recent arrival in England, and family circumstances were cited in mitigation for these incidents.

Auvaa made one appearance for Saracens, playing 20 minutes of a Prem Rugby Cup match in September.