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.
The full statement from Prem Rugby club Saracens, which has been obtained by The Times, Guardian and others, includes criticism of the ECB.
It read: "Saracens is satisfied that its independent review was conducted thoroughly and in accordance with the club's internal procedures and standards.
"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.
"While 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."
The ECB declined to comment on the Saracens statement.
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
, although did receive written warnings for breaching "specific contractual obligations".
The ECB said Atkinson was the "victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate" and that all-rounder Stokes was not involved in, and did not witness, any altercations.
