Saracens' Auvaa not punished for Stokes incident

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

Stokes and Atkinson were made unavailable for England's second Test defeat by New Zealand pending an inquiry into events that unfolded when they were out celebrating victory in the first Test.

Saracens have carried out their own investigation and are standing by academy player Auvaa, 21, while criticising 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 bloodied and in need of medical attention after allegedly being struck by Auvaa.

A disciplinary hearing by the ECB found Stokes and Atkinson to have "breached specific contractual obligations that require England players to at all times maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in the best interests of England cricket".

However it added: "No blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub."

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

Saracens said: "Whilst the events that occurred in the early hours of Monday, 8 June 2026 are regrettable for all parties involved, the club remains supportive of the player concerned.

"The ECB subsequently concluded its process and issued its statement without any input from Saracens.

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