Bristol Bears have signed Samoan back-five forward Totoa Auvaa after his sacking from Saracens just a couple of weeks ago, with Bears’ director of rugby Pat Lamb willing to give the 21-year-old a fresh start to his rugby career.
“I met up with him and got to know him and understand exactly where he comes from, and people make mistakes so I felt he would fit well in here with the group we have got.”
Auvaa made one senior appearance for Saracens before his departure, after coming on as a sub in Sarries’ 96-42 win over Northampton Saints in the Prem Rugby Cup last season.
“No player comes here unless I have had a good chat with them, and I can work out whether this player has big dreams, going to be coachable and can actually add value to the teams that I coach and the Bears.
“I’ve been through these processes many times and at the end of it I will determine whether those answers are yes and there is no doubt that we believe he is someone who has that ability to really grow and develop as an outstanding rugby player.”
At just 21 years of age, Auvaa still has time to find his feet in senior rugby, but Lamb argued he was very well looked after whilst at Saracens.
“I think Saracens did an incredible job in the sense they gave him the opportunity. Also, his English was a little off, so they got him an English teacher and his English is very good now.
“The other thing too was having Maro Itoje around him. Maro was like a mentor to him, and even now he is with us at Bears, Maro got hold of us after Auvaa’s second day of training to see how he is doing.”
Lamb believes Auvaa could become an incredible rugby player in the future but admits it will take time for the Samoan to get used to his new team’s systems and standards but looks forward to having him in his side in the future.
“I think the decisions Saracens made is what they felt was right and I understand that but as I said, I’m willing to give him another opportunity and I am happy to do it.
“He will look to feature in the Prem Cup. He has got to learn all of our systems and all the way we do things, but he has made a good start.
“A lot of players and coaches have got behind him, and it takes time to pick up everything for any player, no matter where they come from, but once he has, he will flourish.’
Bristol Bears return to Prem Cup action this weekend as they travel to Sale Sharks on Friday Night, with Auvaa in contention to be in the squad and could potentially feature.
