Saracens gave everything they could to Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa before sacking him following a late-night incident in St Albans. Auvaa, 21, was involved in a nightclub altercation with England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in June, though Sarries stood by him at the time. Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam announced his signing on Monday, stating he believed in giving people second chances.
Lam revealed that England and Saracens captain Maro Itoje checked in on Auvaa this week, calling him a mentor. Itoje visited Auvaa yesterday to see how he was settling in. Lam said Saracens did as much as they could, but the decision to sack him was right.
Auvaa made one senior appearance for Saracens, playing 20 minutes in a Prem Rugby Cup match in September. Lam hopes Auvaa can be a positive influence and said he had not been issued ultimatums about future behaviour. Auvaa is training this week and looks impressive.
Bristol have two group games in the Prem Cup against Sale and Bath in November. Lam hinted Auvaa might feature, stating he has to learn the systems quickly. He made a good start but has no guarantees.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing