Fiji rugby player charged with sexual assault hours before Barbarians-Wales match

Rugby player Api Ratuniyarawa has appeared in court charged with sexual assault, hours before he was due to play for the Barbarians against Wales in Cardiff.

The 37-year-old Fiji international, from West Northamptonshire, had been due to be on the Barbarians bench for the match at the Principality Stadium, and Wales international Aaron Shingler was called up to replace him.

South Wales Police said: "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."

Ratuniyarawa was released on bail to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on December 4.

Barbarians said in a statement: "As soon as we were contacted by South Wales Police we co-operated fully, assisting them with their enquiries.

"On their advice, we can't comment any further as the investigation is ongoing."

The charges against Ratuniyarawa were first reported by the BBC, and Wales Online said they related to alleged incidents at a Cardiff bar in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Ratuniyarawa played for London Irish last season, after signing from Northampton Saints.

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