- Fijian Api Ratuniyarawa, 37, was charged with sexual assault after night in Cardiff
A top international rugby player has been arrested and charged with serious sex offences and is due in court today.
Fijian Api Ratuniyarawa, 37, had been due to play for the Barbarians against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff today.
Yet following an incident in the Welsh capital, the 6ft 6ins London Irish lock forward, who weighs 19st 5lbs, was arrested and kept in custody.
Ratuniyarawa, from West Northamptonshire, was charged with sexual assault by penetration and by touching.
Second-row forward Ratuniyarawa, who has played for Fiji 38 times, was named as a replacement for the Barbarians team, which is largely made up of players from the Southern Hemisphere.
Fijian Api Ratuniyarawa, 37, had been due to play for the Barbarians against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Pictured: Ratuniyarawa during Barbarians training in Cardiff on October 31
Yet following an incident in the Welsh capital, the 6ft 6ins London Irish lock forward (pictured with ball), who weighs 19st 5lbs, was arrested and kept in custody
Ratuniyarawa, from West Northamptonshire, was charged with sexual assault by penetration and by touching. Pictured: Ratuniyarawa tackling Ryan Elias during Fiji’s game against Wales at the Principality in Cardiff in 2021
A Barbarians spokesman said: ‘As soon as we were contacted by South Wales Police we cooperated fully, assisting them with their inquiries.
‘On their advice we can’t comment any further as the investigation is ongoing.’
It is considered a great honour to be picked for the Barbarians, a British-based invitation side dating back to 1890.
The team selected to play against Wales arrived in Cardiff at the start of the week and was seen out drinking in the city on several nights.
Ratuniyarawa was set to receive £15,000 to play in the Barbarians match on Saturday
Ratuniyarawa was due to play for Fiji in the recent Rugby World Cup in France but pulled out of the squad in July for family reasons
They also had a Wild West fancy-dress team meal at a French restaurant.
The team is being captained by Welsh rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones who is retiring after becoming the world’s most capped player with 170 appearances for Wales and the British Lions.
Players will be paid £15,000 for appearing in the game.
Ratuniyarawa was due to play for Fiji in the recent Rugby World Cup in France but pulled out of the squad in July for family reasons.
A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: ‘Api Ratuniyarawa, 37, from West Northamptonshire is due to appear before Cardiff magistrates charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching.’
