Saracens have confirmed academy forward Totoa Auvaa will face no disciplinary action following his involvement in the nightclub incident that led to England cricket captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson being investigated.
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The incident took place after England’s first Test victory over New Zealand, with Stokes and Atkinson ruled out of the second Test while the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) carried out an investigation.
After completing their own review, Saracens have confirmed they are standing by the 21-year-old.
The club said: “Whilst the events… are regrettable for all parties involved, the club remains supportive of the player concerned. Having thoroughly reviewed the matter, the club has concluded that no further action is required and now considers the matter closed.”
Saracens also hit out at the ECB’s handling of the process, adding: “The ECB contacted the club as part of its review process. Saracens made clear that it wished to complete its own internal investigation before reaching any conclusions.
“The ECB subsequently concluded its process and issued its statement without any input from Saracens.”
Stokes and Atkinson admitted breaching England’s midnight curfew after celebrating the first Test win. During the evening, a member of England’s security team was left bloodied and required medical treatment after allegedly being struck by Auvaa.
The ECB found the pair had breached team conduct rules but stressed: “No blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub.”
A separate Cricket Regulator investigation also found there was no case for either England player to answer.
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