Saracens dismiss academy forward Totoa Auvaa after St Albans incident

Saracens have dismissed 21-year-old academy forward Totoa Auvaa after a further incident in St Albans on Saturday, the club confirmed. Auvaa had been previously involved in a nightclub incident in June that also involved England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson.

The 21-year-old Samoan back row had been stood down from all club duties while Saracens investigated the matter. The club issued a statement saying: "The club has determined that his conduct falls short of the standards expected of everyone who represents Saracens, both on and off the pitch," and added: "We take our responsibilities to our supporters, young people and partners seriously and we remain committed to upholding the standards of our conduct expected across the club."

A disciplinary hearing by the England and Wales Cricket Board found that then England captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson breached "contractual obligations" but were blameless for "violent conduct" in the June incident. Both men were present in a London nightclub when a member of England's security staff was left bloodied and in need of medical attention after being struck by Auvaa, according to reporting on the episode.

Following the nightclub episode, Stokes and Atkinson were made unavailable for England's second Test defeat by New Zealand, while Auvaa was not sanctioned at that time. The club has now taken a different disciplinary step after the recent incident in St Albans.

All-rounder Stokes was restored to the team for the deciding third Test, during which he made a stunning announcement to retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the match.

Saracens said Totoa Auvaa has left the club with immediate effect. The departure follows the club's investigation into the Saturday incident in St Albans.