Saracens dismiss academy player Auvaa and stand down second in separate incident

Saracens released two disciplinary statements on Monday, confirming that senior academy player Totoa Auvaa, 21, has left the club with immediate effect, and that a second unnamed academy member has been stood down while an internal investigation is conducted into a separate incident.

The club stated that Auvaa’s conduct following an unspecified incident “falls short of the standards expected of everyone who represents Saracens, both on and off the pitch.” Saracens added that they “take our responsibilities to our supporters, young people and partners seriously” and would make no further comment on the matter.

Auvaa had previously been involved in a separate incident in June, one that also featured England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson on the evening following the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. Saracens said at the time they were establishing the facts, and Auvaa continued as part of the academy set-up until Monday’s announcement.

The second case concerns a different academy player and relates to an incident in St Albans on the evening of Saturday, 10 October. That player has been removed from all club duties while the club carries out what it described as “a thorough internal investigation to establish the facts.” Saracens confirmed the two cases are unrelated and declined to comment further until the investigation concludes.

Saracens have not publicly named the second player involved, and the club’s statements make clear the two disciplinary matters are being handled independently of one another.