Bristol sign Totoa Auvaa two weeks after Saracens dismissal

Bristol Bears have signed Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa two weeks after Saracens dismissed him, BBC Sport reported on Monday. The 21-year-old joins a new club after a series of disciplinary incidents, with Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam saying he believes the player should have an opportunity to learn from his experiences and develop.

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Lam said Auvaa's agent had contacted him to ask whether he would help the forward and offer him another chance. In comments published on Bristol's website and reported by the BBC, Lam described Auvaa as a physically imposing young player with considerable potential. He said his conversations with Auvaa had convinced him that Bristol could provide guidance, mentorship and a structured environment.

A former Samoa international himself, Lam also highlighted the adjustment involved in moving from a small Samoan village to London. He said the support Bristol intended to offer was aimed at Auvaa's personal development as well as his rugby career. Lam expressed confidence that the club could help him progress in a way that would make his family in Samoa proud.

Saracens parted company with Auvaa after an incident in St Albans that remains under police investigation, according to the BBC report. Hertfordshire Police said they were investigating an altercation in St Peter's Street between 2.15am and 2.20am on 11 October. Police said it was alleged that a man in his twenties had been approached by another man and punched in the face. Enquiries were continuing; the police account described an allegation, not a court finding.

Auvaa had previously been involved in a June nightclub altercation involving England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Saracens initially said they would support him following that incident. After the later St Albans incident, however, the club said his behaviour had not met the standards it required of those representing Saracens, either during matches or away from rugby.

BBC Sport also reported that Auvaa received two red cards for violent conduct while on loan at Ampthill last season. His age, recent move to England and the strain of his father's illness in Samoa were presented in mitigation. His Saracens first-team involvement was limited to one appearance: 20 minutes in a Prem Rugby Cup match in September.