21-Year-Old Auvaa Joins Bristol Bears After Saracens Exit

Bristol Bears have signed 21-year-old Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa, who arrives in England on a Monday night to join the senior squad for the 2026/27 season. The player, a back row forward, is expected to feature in the PREM Cup after learning the team's systems. Director of Rugby Pat Lam stated that Auvaa began training that week and impressed his peers with his physical attributes.

Auvaa's move follows his departure from Saracens after a June incident in St Albans. The dispute involved England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Stokes, the former England captain, retired from international cricket following the altercation. Saracens subsequently released Auvaa, ending his tenure at the club.

Lam acknowledged the player's history but emphasized the need to move forward. He noted that Auvaa comes from a village in Samoa rather than the main city. Lam said he wanted to understand the player's motivations and dreams before agreeing to the deal. He described the process as a standard evaluation of whether a player is coachable and can add value to the team.

The Bears boss credited Saracens for developing Auvaa's skills and English language proficiency. Lam mentioned that Saracens hired an English teacher for the player and that Maro Itoje served as a mentor during his time there. Lam said Saracens made the right decision in letting him go, but he was willing to offer Auvaa another opportunity.

Lam described Auvaa as a large athlete with significant potential, noting his size and jumping ability. He compared Auvaa's physical build to a basketball player. The coach said the primary focus for the season is adapting to the Bears' framework. He stated that the speed of adaptation is more important than raw talent in this context.

Lam said the squad has high expectations for all members. He explained that he asks every player about their ambitions and why they are in the sport. He said he has five children ranging from 19 to 34 years old, all of whom have made mistakes. He said he views past experiences as lessons that shape a person's character. The coach said the team environment helps players navigate criticism and praise.

Auvaa will integrate into the senior group immediately. Lam said the players saw Auvaa's quality in training. The coach expressed confidence that Auvaa will grow into an outstanding rugby player. He said there are no guarantees in the game, but the right people and environment can shape a player's career.