Saracens rugby club has announced that academy player Totoa Auvaa will face no disciplinary action following his involvement in a nightclub incident that led to England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson being disciplined. The club stated it has completed its own investigation and considers the matter closed.
The incident occurred in the early hours of June 8, 2026, when Stokes and Atkinson were reportedly celebrating England's first Test victory against New Zealand. Both players breached their team's midnight curfew and were present when a member of England's security staff was allegedly injured. Reports indicate Auvaa was involved in the altercation that led to the security staff member requiring medical attention.
Following the events, Stokes and Atkinson were made unavailable for England's second Test match against New Zealand pending an inquiry. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) subsequently found that both players had breached contractual obligations requiring them to maintain the highest standards of conduct. However, the ECB's disciplinary hearing stated that "no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub." A separate inquiry by the Cricket Regulator found no case to answer for Stokes and Atkinson.
Saracens expressed that while the events were regrettable, the club remains supportive of Auvaa, aged 21. The club criticized the ECB for conducting its process and issuing its statement without involving Saracens. After a thorough review, Saracens concluded that no further action was necessary for Auvaa and considers the matter resolved.