Barbarians rugby player Api Ratuniyarawa, 37, charged with sexual assault

A BARBARIANS rugby player has been charged with sexual assault.

Api Ratuniyarawa, 37 and from West Northamptonshire, was due to appear before Cardiff magistrates today.

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Api Ratuniyarawa has been charged with sexual assault[/caption]

South Wales Police revealed the rugby star was charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching.

The London Irish lock forward from Fiji had been named in the Barbarians’ squad for this afternoon’s match against Wales at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

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.”

British-based invitation side Barbarian FC said in a statement: “As soon as we were contacted by South Wales Police we cooperated fully, assisting them with their enquiries.

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

Their side is being captained by Welsh rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones ahead of his retirement after 170 appearances for Wales and the British Lions.

Ratuniyarawa had been lined up to play for Fiji at the recent Rugby World Cup in France but withdrew from the squad in July for family reasons.