Pat Lam backs Auvaa opportunity at Bristol after Saracens dismissal

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam has defended giving Totoa Auvaa another opportunity after the forward's dismissal by Saracens, while backing the support his former club provided. Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol on Wednesday, Lam said the 21-year-old Samoan had begun training with Bristol and had made a positive early impression following the announcement of his signing on Monday.

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According to BBC Sport, Saracens dismissed Auvaa two weeks ago after a late-night incident in St Albans that is being investigated by police. He had also been involved in a nightclub altercation with England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in June. Saracens continued to support him after that earlier incident, before ending his time at the club following the later episode.

Lam said Saracens had worked hard to help Auvaa, including arranging an English teacher and providing support through captain Maro Itoje. He told the BBC that Itoje had contacted Auvaa on Tuesday to ask how he was settling into Bristol. Lam said he understood why Saracens had decided to dismiss the forward, even as he agreed to offer him an opportunity elsewhere.

The Bristol boss said Auvaa had not been given ultimatums about his future behaviour. Instead, Lam described an approach based on making the club's expectations clear and helping players learn from their experiences. He linked that approach to his own life in rugby, saying the influence of mentors and people who supported him had helped shape his development.

Lam also acknowledged that offering support could not guarantee an outcome. His assessment of Auvaa's rugby potential was positive, however: he said the forward had impressed in training and had the ability to develop into an outstanding player. Those comments came during Auvaa's first week working with the Bears, rather than after a competitive appearance for his new club.

Auvaa played once for Saracens' senior side, making a 20-minute appearance in a Prem Rugby Cup match in September. Bristol have group fixtures against Sale and Bath in that competition in November. Lam indicated that Auvaa could feature in the cup, but said he first needed to learn Bristol's systems and approach, with his progress dependent on how quickly he adapted.