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Api Ratuniyarawa has appeared in court charged with sexual assault, hours before he was due to play for the Barbarians against Wales in Cardiff.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
South Wales Police said: \u201cApi Ratuniyarawa, 37, from West Northamptonshire, was due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates\u2019 Court this morning charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ratuniyarawa was released on bail to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on December 4.<\/p>\n
Barbarians said in a statement: \u201cAs soon as we were contacted by South Wales Police we co-operated fully, assisting them with their enquiries.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn their advice, we can\u2019t comment any further as the investigation is ongoing.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ratuniyarawa played for London Irish last season, after signing from Northampton Saints.<\/p>\n
The London Irish website said: \u201cThe Fijian lock forward arrived at Franklin\u2019s Gardens from Agen in the 2016\/17 season, spending the best part of five years with Saints before departing for the capital.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving made over 100 appearances for Northampton, Ratuniyarawa\u2019s experience expands onto the international front after appearing in both the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups for his native Fiji.<\/p>\n
\u201cA 10-years and 36 caps later, Ratuniyarawa\u2019s international career began miles down the road from Irish\u2019s headquarters in Sunbury when he took on England at the national stadium back in the 2012 autumn internationals.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe brings with him accolades aplenty, both personal and as a team, attaining the \u2018Breakthrough Player of the Year\u2019 award at Northampton whilst also winning the first Premiership Rugby Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n