Two punch-ups, two red cards, no chances left – Saracens sack Auvaa

Totoa Auvaa's young career has been derailed by a chaotic 14 months at Saracens which featured violence both on and off the pitch. Auvaa (centre) playing for Saracens in a pre-season friendly against Cornish Pirates in August The end came for Totoa Auvaa via a quick one-two combination. Early on Monday afternoon, Saracens announced an internal investigation into reports that the 21-year-old Samoan had been involved in a punch-up in St Albans. Four hours later, another statement was released. The investigation was done. Auvaa's fate was decided. A player, flown over and unveiled with a statement mentioning his "enormous potential" less than 14 months before, was sacked. The swift conclusion to the case reflected patience having been exhausted among the Saracens hierarchy.

Back when Auvaa had been involved in a nightclub altercation with England cricketers Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes in June, Saracens stood, at least partially, by their man. They issued a statement saying that while the incident was "regrettable for all parties", the club was still supportive of Auvaa and would not punish him. After that incident, hooker Jamie George had rallied to his defence. While describing Auvaa as "immature" and his behaviour as "unacceptable", George pointed to his youth and distance from home. "He's a young kid who has only left Samoa once," explained George in June.