The Barbarians have had to make a last-minute change to their lineup for Saturday’s game in Cardiff against Wales due to Api Ratuniyarawa’s appearance in the local magistrates court, where he faces charges of sexual assault. Ratuniyarawa, a 37-year-old Fijian lock who previously played for Northampton and London Irish before joining Bayonne, is accused of sexually assaulting three women at a Cardiff city center club between October 31 and November 1, allegations he has denied.
According to reports on walesonline.co.uk, Ratuniyarawa appeared in Cardiff Magistrates Court on Saturday morning, November 4, and confirmed his identity but did not say much. Prosecuting attorney Michael Evans explained that the alleged incidents involving the three women occurred independently of each other, and the women were not acquainted with each other or with Ratuniyarawa before that night.Magistrate Peter Hamley imposed
strict bail conditions on Ratuniyarawa until the case goes to Cardiff Crown Court on December 4. These conditions include an electronic curfew from 7 pm to 7 am, a prohibition on entering Wales except for court proceedings, no contact with any witnesses in the case, and a ban from entering licensed premises selling alcohol, such as bars, clubs, and restaurants.
The Barbarians responded to the situation by stating that they fully cooperated with South Wales Police when contacted and assisted with their inquiries. They mentioned that on police advice, they could not provide further comments as the investigation is ongoing.
Ratuniyarawa was originally named on the Barbarians’ bench by Eddie Jones for the upcoming match, which serves as a farewell game for Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones.
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