Saracens clear Totoa Auva'a after nightclub punch missed Gus Atkinson and hit security guard

Saracens and the RFU have both confirmed that 21-year-old lock Totoa Auva’a will face no further action over a nightclub altercation in Chelsea in the early hours of 8 June 2026 that also drew in England fast bowler Gus Atkinson.

Auva’a, a Samoan-born prospect who can also play blindside flanker, attempted to punch Atkinson while the England cricket squad were celebrating a Test win over New Zealand. He missed Atkinson and struck an England and Wales Cricket Board security guard instead. The security guard has since decided not to report the matter to police, removing the threat of criminal proceedings.

Saracens said they conducted an independent review before reaching their conclusion. “Whilst the events that occurred in the early hours of Monday, 8 June 2026, are regrettable for all parties involved, the club remains supportive of the player concerned,” the club said in a statement. “Having thoroughly reviewed the matter, the club has concluded that no further action is required and now considers the matter closed.”

The club also addressed the timeline of the ECB’s own review process, noting that it had asked to complete its internal investigation before drawing any conclusions. “The ECB subsequently concluded its process and issued its statement without any input from Saracens,” the club added, with the ECB reported to be bemused by the outcome.

The incident had already carried consequences for the England cricket side. Atkinson and captain Ben Stokes were dropped for the second Test against New Zealand for breaking a team curfew at Rex Rooms in Chelsea, even though the ECB concluded that both men “were blameless victims of unprovoked violent attacks.”

Auva’a joined the Saracens academy last August and is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Gallagher Premiership club. He made 17 appearances for Ampthill in the Championship last season, scoring six tries, though he was sent off in a match against Hartpury in November. Standing at 6ft 5in and weighing 19st 9lb, he has already captained Samoa’s Under-20 and ‘A’ sides.