Gus Atkinson, Totoa Offa
England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Jos Atkinson could face disciplinary action and risk missing the second Test against New Zealand after breaching team protocols following England’s win at Lord’s.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday that the pair were present at a nightclub in the early hours after the match and that an incident had occurred.The ECB statement said: “Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when the incident occurred.”“We are currently seeking further information and the squad for the second Test will be announced in due course.”According to reports, Stokes and Atkinson violated a midnight curfew in England and were at the Rex Rooms nightclub in Chelsea when an altercation occurred between a Muslim rugby player.Saracens players were celebrating an end-of-season party at the venue after a social event in Fulham on Sunday. Stokes and Atkinson were also present in the nightclub’s VIP area after England’s first Test win over New Zealand.
England reimposed the curfew in January after the Ashes tour of Australia, during which the team faced criticism over drinking and professionalism.A report by The Telegraph newspaper stated that the incident involved Saracens player Totua Ofa, who is a member of the club’s academy. The report stated that Offa tried to punch Atkinson, but he missed and hit a member of the cricketers’ security team.According to the report, the security employee needed stitches after the incident.
It remains unclear whether Stokes or Atkinson retaliated.The ECB said it was gathering more information before deciding on the team for the second Test.
Who is Totowa Offa?
According to The Telegraph, Totoa Auvaa is a 21-year-old rugby player in the Saracens academy system.The report said Ova is 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 125 kilograms. Although he is yet to play for Saracens’ first team, he made 17 appearances for Ampthill in the English Championship last season.Auvaa has captained both the Samoa Under-20s and Samoa A teams and is considered one of Saracens’ potential players. However, The Telegraph reported that his future at the club was now uncertain following the nightclub incident.