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Rugby Player Totoa Auvaa Sacked After Nightclub Incident Involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson
By CricShots - Oct 13, 2026 1:02 pm
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English rugby club Saracens have announced the immediate departure of Totoa Auvaa following an incident over the weekend. Auvaa, a member of the club’s senior men’s academy, had previously attracted attention after being involved in a London nightclub altercation with England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson earlier this year.

Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes

During the reported incident, Auvaa allegedly attempted to punch Atkinson but missed, striking a security official instead. The official reportedly required medical attention following the confrontation. The incident also led to disciplinary action from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which suspended Atkinson and Stokes from England’s second Test against New Zealand in the three-match series.

In a statement published on their official website, Saracens confirmed Auvaa’s departure and explained that his conduct did not meet the standards expected of those representing the club.

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“Saracens can confirm that Totoa Auvaa, a member of the senior men’s academy, has left the club with immediate effect. Following an incident this weekend, the club has determined that his conduct falls short of the standards expected of everyone who represents Saracens, both on and off the pitch,” the statement read.

The club also emphasised its responsibility to supporters, young people and partners, adding that it would not make any further comments on the matter.

 

Following an investigation, the ECB concluded that Stokes and Atkinson had breached their contractual obligations but should not be held responsible for violent conduct during the nightclub incident. “No blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub,” the ECB stated.

The board further clarified that Stokes was neither involved in the altercation nor a witness to either incident. It also said the evidence showed that Atkinson had been the victim of unprovoked attacks and had not retaliated. Both cricketers had been celebrating England’s victory over New Zealand in the first Test when the incident occurred. However, they were found to have breached the team’s midnight curfew and received written warnings.

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Ben Stokes subsequently returned to captain England. In a separate development, he announced his retirement from Test cricket midway through the contest, bringing an unexpected twist to England’s campaign. Auvaa’s departure from Saracens has once again brought attention to the nightclub incident and its consequences for those involved.