Bristol Bears have handed a lifeline to young Samoan forward Totoa Auvaa after the 21-year-old was sacked by Saracens following a number of incidents.

The north London club parted ways with the back rower earlier this month amid a police investigation into an incident in St Albans.

That followed an altercation with members of the England cricket team in June which led to the suspension of Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes from the second Test against New Zealand, and allegedly left a member of their security staff requiring stitches.

Bristol boss Pat Lam, a former Samoa international, is hopeful, though, that he can get the best out of Auvaa.

"Totoa is a big, physical young man with enormous potential, who unfortunately has made some mistakes since arriving from a small village in Samoa to the massive city of London,” 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, not just as a rugby player, but as a person - someone his parents and family all the way back in Samoa will be proud of."

Auvaa did not make a Gallagher Prem appearance for Saracens, and was sent off twice while playing on loan with Amphtill in the second-tier Champ last season.

He had been backed by the club following the incident in June in which it was alleged he aimed a strike at fast bowler Atkinson, but Saracens moved on after news emerged of his involvement in the St Albans incident earlier this month.

A statement issued by Hertfordshire Police said: "Police are investigating an altercation which occurred between 0215 and 0220 on Sunday [11 October] in St Peter's Street, St Albans.

"It is alleged a man aged in his twenties was approached by another man who then punched him to the face. Enquiries are ongoing at this time."