Saracens dismiss Totoa Auvaa as Jamie George backs club response

Saracens have dismissed academy forward Totoa Auvaa following a weekend incident, ending the 21-year-old Samoan's time at the club with immediate effect. The decision was announced on Monday, October 12. On Tuesday, England hooker Jamie George backed the way Saracens' leadership had handled the matter, according to BBC Sport and Sky Sports.

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In their official statement, Saracens said they had concluded that Auvaa's behaviour did not meet the standards required of people representing the club, whether playing or away from rugby. They referred to their responsibilities towards supporters, young people and commercial partners. The statement confirmed his departure from the Senior Men's Academy and said the club would offer no further comment.

Sky Sports reported that an internal investigation preceded the dismissal. Hertfordshire Police said they were investigating an alleged assault in St Peter's Street, St Albans, between 2.15am and 2.20am on Sunday, October 11. According to the police account carried by Sky, a man in his twenties was allegedly approached and punched in the face. Enquiries were continuing; the quoted police statement did not name a suspect.

BBC Sport's reporting also detailed earlier disciplinary problems during Auvaa's loan at Ampthill last season. He was sent off twice against Hartpury, for punching an opponent in November and kicking a player in the head at a ruck in March. The BBC reported that his youth, recent move to England and his father's illness in Samoa were presented in mitigation.

Auvaa had previously been involved in the June nightclub incident involving England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Saracens supported him after that episode and did not impose punishment, BBC Sport reported. George had defended giving the young player an opportunity to improve, while also describing his behaviour at the time as unacceptable.

Speaking after the dismissal, George praised technical director Brendan Venter and chief executive Ed Coetzee for addressing the situation. Sky Sports reported that he expressed confidence in the club's decision-making and its ability to allow the squad to concentrate on rugby. Saracens have not publicly detailed the conduct behind their latest decision.