Bristol Bears have secured the services of Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa, providing a fresh start for the 21-year-old just two weeks after his dismissal by Saracens. The move follows a turbulent period for the player, who was released by the Premiership giants following a separate incident in St Albans that is currently under police investigation. Auvaa’s departure from Saracens came shortly after he made a single appearance for the club in the Premiership Cup this season, marking a brief and difficult stint at the top of English rugby.
Director Pat Lam offers second chance to forward involved in St Albans incident
The signing comes under the spotlight due to Auvaa’s high-profile involvement in a June nightclub altercation with England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. While that earlier incident drew significant media attention, it was the subsequent St Albans event that prompted Saracens to terminate his contract. Bristol Director of Rugby Pat Lam has publicly defended the decision to sign the forward, emphasizing a philosophy of rehabilitation and growth for young athletes facing personal challenges.
Lam stated that Auvaa’s agent contacted him directly to request a second chance, a plea the Bears’ leadership accepted. “I’ve always believed that young people deserve the opportunity to learn from those experiences, grow and become better people,” Lam explained. This strategic move not only addresses Bristol’s forward depth but also signals a willingness to support players through off-field difficulties, provided they are committed to personal development and professional standards.
Source: BBC Sport
