The Saracens academy player who triggered the Ben Stokes captaincy crisis by throwing a punch at his England teammate Gus Atkinson has escaped without being disciplined.
It is understood that Totoa Auvaa, a 21-year-old Samoan back-row, will not face formal disciplinary action from Saracens or the Rugby Football Union despite throwing a punch at Atkinson.
Auvaa’s punch missed Atkinson and struck an England and Wales Cricket Board security guard, who was sufficiently injured to require stitches but opted not to report the matter to the police. Saracens pledged to review the incident and address it appropriately after learning of the flare-up in a Chelsea nightclub a fortnight ago, a process that has now concluded.
In a statement to the Guardian Saracens described the incident as “regrettable”, but said that after conducting an independent review they are supporting their player and regard the matter as closed. “Saracens Rugby Club has concluded its review of the incident involving one of its Academy players and England cricketers,” the club said. “Saracens is satisfied that its independent review was conducted thoroughly and in accordance with the club’s internal procedures and standards.
“The ECB contacted the club as part of its review process. Saracens made clear that it wished to complete its own internal investigation before reaching any conclusions. The ECB subsequently concluded its process and issued its statement without any input from Saracens.
“Whilst the events that occurred in the early hours of Monday 8 June are regrettable for all parties involved, the club remains supportive of the player concerned. Having thoroughly reviewed the matter, the club has concluded that no further action is required and now considers the matter closed.”
The RFU has not launched an investigation despite having overall control of discipline in the sport in England, with sources saying the governing body regards it as an employment matter between player and club.
The ECB is understood to be bemused that no action will be taken against Auvaa, given that Stokes and Atkinson were dropped from the second Test against New Zealand last week before its own investigation concluded that the players were blameless victims of unprovoked violent attacks.
In a statement released this week confirming that Stokes and Atkinson would return to the side for the third Test against New Zealand, which began on Thursday, the ECB referred to “unprovoked attacks” and multiple “incidents” in the Rex Rooms in Chelsea in the early hours of Monday 8 June.
In addition to missing the second Test, Stokes and Atkinson were both given formal written warnings by 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.”
Saracens players were enjoying their end-of-season party at the White Horse pub in Chelsea when they ran into England players celebrating their first Test win against New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday 7 June. Some of the players already knew each other and were reportedly getting on well, but there was an altercation at the nearby Rex Rooms later in the night after most of the England players had returned to their hotel.
Auvaa has not played a senior game for Saracens and spent last season on loan at the Champ side Ampthill, but he is highly rated at the club and expected to be given a senior contract.
