Bristol Bears Sign 21-Year-Old Samoan Forward Totoa Auvaa After Saracens Exit

Bristol Bears announced the signing of 21-year-old Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa on Sunday. Auvaa departs Saracens following his dismissal earlier this season, a move that ends his tenure with the London club after a second nightclub incident.

The player’s departure from Saracens followed a altercation in St Albans in June. In that incident, Auvaa was involved in a physical confrontation with England cricketers Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes. The event occurred before the 2026/27 season began, leaving Auvaa in a precarious position with his former club.

Director of rugby Pat Lam, a former captain of Samoa, stated that Auvaa’s agent contacted him to seek a second chance. Lam noted that Auvaa is a big, physical young man with enormous potential who has made mistakes since moving from a small village in Samoa to London. Lam expressed confidence that the Bears can provide the mentorship and structure necessary for Auvaa to succeed as a player and a person.

“His agent reached out to me, to see if I would be willing to help him and give him a second chance,” Lam said. “Having spent time with Totoa, I feel confident that we can provide him with the mentorship, guidance, support and structure to give him the best possible opportunity to succeed.”

Auvaa brings a history of both leadership and disciplinary challenges to Bristol. He has previously captained Samoa at U20 and A-level. During a loan spell in the Championship last season with Ampthill, Auvaa received two red cards for violent conduct, both against Hartpury. In the first instance, he punched an opposition player in the face after a try was scored. In March, he kicked a player in the head during a ruck.

The Bears view the signing as an opportunity to develop a player with strong physical attributes. Auvaa will join the squad as they prepare for the upcoming campaign, aiming to become a valued member of the team and a figure his family in Samoa can be proud of.