Ben Stokes incident sparks row between Saracens and ECB over 19st rugby player

Need to know

The two governing bodies are reportedly not pleased with each other as all parties have been cleared of any wrongdoing

All you need to know as no action is taken following a nightclub incident between a Saracens player and two England cricketers

1. No action will be taken against Saracens forward Totoa Auvaa after he was involved in a nightclub incident with England cricket captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson. Earlier this month, all three were involved in an incident at Chelsea nightclub Rex Rooms – with the fall-out having been far-reaching.
2. It is understood a confrontation broke out between the trio and a member of England’s security team hours after England’s first Test victory over New Zealand. An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard was reportedly left bloodied after an initial punch was aimed at Atkinson by Auvaa, sparking a melee. The security guard reportedly required stitches.
3. Reportedly, the dispute began over confusion about a reserved VIP seating area in the Rex Rooms nightclub in Chelsea. Auvaa, who is 6ft 5in and weighs more than 19st, reportedly believed the table was reserved for England No. 8 Ben Earl, when it was in fact reserved for Stokes. Earlier in the night, England cricketers had been mixing with Saracens players at the White Horse pub in Parsons Green. Around 20 rugby players were said to be present, with Stokes seen enjoying rum and cokes with England rugby captain Maro Itoje.
4. Having broken the team’s midnight curfew, Stokes and Atkinson were stood down for England’s second Test against New Zealand – which they would go on to lose. However, a disciplinary hearing by the ECB decided that “no blame should be attached to the players for violent conduct at the nightclub”, with a separate inquiry by the Cricket Regulator deeming there was no case to answer.
5. Saracens have now concluded their own internal investigation – with Auvaa escaping any further punishment. Their statement said: “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.”
6. The Gallagher Prem club also took aim at the ECB’s own disciplinary process – suggesting that they published their findings without any input from the rugby club. “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.”
7. Following the news that Auvaa will escape further action, there have been multiple reports in England that the ECB are frustrated and surprised by Saracens’ lack of action.
8. The Rugby Football Union have reportedly decided not to launch an investigation despite having scope to do so, with the Guardian reporting that the governing body view it as an employment ­matter between player and club.