Ben Stokes is reportedly considering his future as England Test captain following a nightclub altercation involving Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa, with a statement from the England skipper expected soon.
The full statement will appear here once released.
Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are both being investigated by the ECB after breaching team protocols during post-match celebrations following England’s victory over New Zealand at Lord’s. Reports suggest the ECB have given Stokes “time and space” to decide his next move amid speculation he could step away from the captaincy.
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What happened?
The incident took place at the Rex Rooms nightclub in Chelsea during the early hours of Monday morning after England’s Test victory over New Zealand.
According to reports, Stokes and Atkinson had remained out beyond the team’s midnight curfew, which had been reintroduced following previous alcohol-related incidents during England’s Ashes tour of Australia.
Who was involved?
The rugby player involved has since been identified as Saracens academy prospect Totoa Auvaa.
It is alleged that Auvaa attempted to throw a punch at Atkinson during the confrontation but instead struck an ECB security guard, who reportedly required stitches. Neither Stokes nor Atkinson were injured, and both have reportedly been described as “not the aggressors”.
Police were not called and no arrests were made.
How did the dispute start?
The Telegraph reports that the disagreement stemmed from confusion over a reserved VIP seating area inside the nightclub.
Auvaa, who stands 6ft 5in and weighs more than 19 stone, reportedly believed the table had been reserved for England rugby No. 8 Ben Earl. However, the seating area had actually been booked for Stokes.
There is no suggestion that Earl was involved in the incident.
When Auvaa was reportedly asked to leave, tensions escalated outside the venue, although Stokes’ role in the confrontation is understood to have been peripheral.
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England stars had been socialising with Saracens players
Earlier in the evening, England’s cricketers had been mixing with Saracens players at the White Horse pub in Parsons Green.
Around 20 rugby players were reportedly present, with Stokes said to have spent part of the evening enjoying drinks alongside England rugby captain Maro Itoje before the group moved on to the nightclub.
What happens next?
The ECB has confirmed that both Stokes and Atkinson breached team protocols and an investigation remains ongoing.
Reports suggest the governing body has allowed Stokes time to reflect on his future amid growing speculation over his position as England Test captain. A statement from Stokes is expected soon, which could provide clarity on both the nightclub incident and his future leadership plans.
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