Totoa Auvaa, a 21-year-old Samoan rugby forward, has signed with Bristol Bears following his release from Saracens earlier this month amid disciplinary issues. Auvaa was sacked by Saracens after allegations surfaced that he punched a man in St Albans on October 11. This incident was separate from an earlier nightclub altercation in June involving former England cricket captain Ben Stokes and another England player, Gus Atkinson.

The initial incident occurred in the early hours after a pub crawl marking the end of the Saracens season, when Auvaa was reported to have aimed a slap at Atkinson but instead struck a member of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) security staff. The ECB described the action as an “unprovoked attack” and had previously suspended Atkinson and Stokes for breaching an England team curfew during the same period. Despite this, Saracens had not imposed a formal sanction on Auvaa at that time.

Following the second alleged assault in St Albans, Hertfordshire police confirmed that a man in his twenties was punched in the face by another individual, identified as Auvaa. No criminal charges have been brought against him in connection with either incident.

Bristol Bears’ director of rugby, Pat Lam, a former Samoa captain like Auvaa, expressed a willingness to offer the player a second opportunity. Lam described Auvaa as a young man with significant potential who has faced challenges adjusting after moving from a small village in Samoa to London. He emphasized the club's commitment to providing mentorship, support, and structure to help Auvaa develop both on and off the field.

Saracens’ Jamie George, Auvaa’s teammate, had previously acknowledged the player’s immaturity and said the team intended to support him through his difficulties. However, Saracens ultimately decided to terminate Auvaa’s contract following the October incident.

Auvaa, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 19.7 stone, joins Bristol, who are currently placed third in the Gallagher Premiership. The club’s acquisition of Auvaa reflects a broader trend under Lam’s leadership to sign and support Pacific Island players. Lam has stated his belief that young players deserve opportunities to learn from mistakes and grow into better professionals and individuals.

With this move, Bristol Bears aim to rehabilitate Auvaa’s career after a turbulent start marked by off-field controversies during his brief tenure in English top-flight rugby.