Saracens dismiss Totoa Auvaa following St Albans incident

Saracens have dismissed academy forward Totoa Auvaa with immediate effect following an incident in St Albans, BBC Sport reported. The club initially removed the 21-year-old Samoan from all duties while it investigated, then announced his departure on Monday after concluding that his behaviour did not meet its expectations.

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The club said its decision reflected the standards required of those representing Saracens away from rugby as well as during matches. In the statement carried by BBC Sport, it also pointed to its responsibilities towards supporters, young people and commercial partners when explaining why it had ended Auvaa's time with the club.

Hertfordshire Police said officers were investigating an altercation in St Peter's Street between 02:15 and 02:20 on Sunday, October 11. Police described an allegation that a man in his twenties had been approached and punched in the face by another man. Their statement said enquiries were continuing; the allegation remains separate from Saracens' internal disciplinary decision.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Saracens hooker Jamie George expressed confidence in technical director Brendan Venter and chief executive Ed Coetzee's handling of the matter. BBC Sport's Mike Henson reported that George said the leadership had addressed the situation and allowed the players to concentrate on rugby.

Auvaa had previously captained Samoa at under-20 and A-team level. He spent last season on loan at Ampthill in the Championship, where he received two red cards for violent conduct. Henson reported that both incidents came against Hartpury: a punch in November and a kick to an opponent's head at a ruck in March.

During evidence relating to the March incident, Auvaa acknowledged discipline as an area he still needed to improve. His age, recent move to England and the difficulty of supporting his ill father in Samoa were presented in mitigation. Those circumstances formed part of the account of his earlier disciplinary difficulties.

Saracens had not punished Auvaa after a separate nightclub incident involving England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in June. The dismissal now ends that period of continued club support.