Bristol Bears have officially signed Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa, just two weeks after his dismissal from Saracens due to disciplinary issues. The 21-year-old was involved in a nightclub incident with England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in June, which led to his release from Saracens following another investigation by police into a separate incident in St Albans.
Pat Lam, Bristol’s director of rugby, expressed his willingness to give Auvaa a second chance, stating that his agent reached out to the club for support. “I’ve always believed that young people deserve the opportunity to learn from those experiences, grow and become better people,” Lam remarked.
Lam, a former Samoan international himself, emphasized the club’s commitment to helping Auvaa develop both on and off the field. He described Auvaa as a “big, physical young man with enormous potential,” acknowledging the challenges he faced after moving from a small village in Samoa to the bustling city of London. Lam expressed confidence that Bristol could provide the mentorship and guidance necessary for Auvaa to succeed in rugby and as an individual, aiming to make his family proud.
As Bristol Bears look to integrate Auvaa into their squad, the focus will be on fostering his talent while ensuring he learns from past mistakes. The club’s supportive environment may prove crucial in helping him navigate this new chapter in his career.
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