ECB surprised Saracens decide not to sanction player involved in Ben Stokes incident – report
Saracens ground and England cricket captain Ben Stokes.
Saracens have decided not to sanction their player, Totoa Auvaa, after concluding their investigation into the nightclub incident that involved two England cricketers.
England captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson had breached the team’s midnight curfew after their first Test win over New Zealand when the incident took place.
Both were subsequently made unavailable for the second game as an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) inquiry took place regarding the events of Monday, June 8.
Both upset
Saracens were upset that the ECB did not involve them in their review process and have since confirmed that no further action will be taken against the 21-year-old Auvaa.
That has led to the ECB, according to The Times, being shocked and frustrated by the PREM club’s decision, this after a member of England’s security staff was allegedly struck by Auvaa.
The newspaper reports the staff member, James Shaw, was ‘physically injured and required stitches’ but he has decided against pursuing any further action against the player.
Saracens said in a statement: “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.
“Having thoroughly reviewed the matter, the club has concluded that no further action is required and now considers the matter closed.”
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It added: “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.”
Earlier, the ECB had found that skipper Stokes and Atkinson had “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”.
No blame
However, they stood by their players, adding: “No blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub.”
The incident reportedly occurred after the Saracens end-of-season party, with the two sets of sportsmen clashing in the VIP area of the Rex Rooms nightclub in Chelsea.
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It had been alleged by The Telegraph earlier this month that a melee had “erupted” between Auvaa, Stokes, Atkinson and a “member of the cricketing security entourage”.
Auvaa, the former Samoa U20s and Samoa A captain, has yet to play for Saracens’ senior side.