Saracens player avoids punishment for England cricket nightclub incident

A Saracens academy player has avoided formal punishment over an incident at a London nightclub that rocked English cricket and led to captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson being stood down from the second Test against New Zealand.

In the early hours of June 8 - the morning after England had beaten New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's - Totoa Auvaa, a 21-year-old back-row, aimed a punch at Atkinson that missed and struck a member of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security staff.

The security guard required stitches.

It is understood the police were not involved in the incident.

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A statement from Prem Rugby club Saracens read: "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."

Stokes and Atkinson - who had broken a midnight curfew installed by England cricket after drinking episodes had plagued their winter tours - went on to miss their side's heavy defeat to New Zealand at The Kia Oval but have returned for the decider at Trent Bridge.

The cricketers were cleared of violent conduct after an ECB investigation, although did receive written warnings for breaching "specific contractual obligations".

The ECB said Atkinson was the "victim of unproved attacks and did not retaliate" and that all-rounder Stokes was not involved in, and did not witness, any altercations.

The independent Cricket Regulator also took no further action against the pair.