Saracens’ Totoa Auvaa not punished for Ben Stokes incident

Saracens forward Totoa Auvaa will not be sanctioned after being involved in nightclub incident with England cricket captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson.

Stokes and Atkinson were made unavailable for England’s second Test defeat against New Zealand pending an investigation into events that occurred when they walked out to celebrate victory in the first Test.

Saracens conducted their own investigation and while they sided with 21-year-old academy player Auvaa, they criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for not involving them in the process.

Stokes and Atkinson breached the team’s midnight curfew and were present when a member of England’s security staff was left bleeding and requiring medical attention after being allegedly shot by Auvaa.

At a disciplinary hearing by the ECB, Stokes and Atkinson were found to have “breached certain contractual obligations requiring England players to maintain the highest standards of conduct at all times and to act in the best interests of England cricket”.

But he added: “No charges should be brought against the players for the violent behavior at the nightclub.”

A separate investigation by the Cricket Regulator found there was no case to answer.

Saracens said: “Whilst the events in the early hours of Monday 8 June 2026 are regrettable for all parties involved, the club continues to support the player involved.

“The ECB then completed its process and published its statement without any input from Saracens.

“Having reviewed the matter thoroughly, the club has concluded that no further action is required and now considers the matter closed.”