Bristol sign Totoa Auvaa two weeks after Saracens sacking

Bristol Bears have signed Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa, two weeks after Saracens sacked him following an incident in St Albans that police are investigating.

Auvaa, 21, had previously been involved in a nightclub altercation with England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in June. Saracens initially said they would stand by him after that incident, but later said his conduct in St Albans fell short of the standards expected of people representing the club.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said Auvaa’s agent had asked whether he would be willing to help the player and give him “a second chance”. Lam said he believed young people should have the opportunity to learn from their experiences and grow.

Auvaa’s record also includes two red cards for violent conduct while on loan at Championship side Ampthill last season. He made one appearance for Saracens, playing 20 minutes in a Premiership Rugby Cup match in September.

Hertfordshire Police said they were investigating an alleged assault in St Peter’s Street, St Albans, between 02:15 and 02:20 on 11 October. Police said a man in his twenties was allegedly approached and punched in the face; enquiries were ongoing.