Barbarians rugby participant Api Ratuniyarawa in court docket charged with sexual assault hours earlier than he was attributable to play in Cardiff

A rugby participant has appeared in court docket charged with sexual assault hours earlier than he was attributable to play for the Barbarians towards Wales in Cardiff.

Api Ratuniyarawa was launched on bail and can seem at Cardiff Crown Court on 4 December.

South Wales Police stated: “Api Ratuniyarawa, 37, from West Northamptonshire, was due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching.”

The Fiji worldwide had been attributable to be on the Barbarians bench for the match on the Principality Stadium, and Wales worldwide Aaron Shingler was known as as much as substitute him.

Barbarians stated in a press release: “As quickly as we had been contacted by South Wales Police we co-operated totally, helping them with their enquiries.

“On their advice, we can’t comment any further as the investigation is ongoing.”

Wales Online stated the fees towards Ratuniyarawa associated to alleged incidents at a Cardiff bar within the early hours of Thursday morning.

Ratuniyarawa performed for London Irish final season after signing from Northampton Saints.

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The London Irish web site says: “The Fijian lock forward arrived at Franklin’s Gardens from Agen in the 2016/17 season, spending the best part of five years with Saints before departing for the capital.

“Having remodeled 100 appearances for Northampton, Ratuniyarawa’s expertise expands onto the worldwide entrance after showing in each the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups for his native Fiji.

“A 10-years and 36 caps later, Ratuniyarawa’s international career began miles down the road from Irish’s headquarters in Sunbury when he took on England at the national stadium back in the 2012 autumn internationals.

“He brings with him accolades aplenty, each private and as a crew, attaining the ‘Breakthrough Player of the Year’ award at Northampton while additionally successful the primary Premiership Rugby Cup.”