Fijian Rugby Star Api Ratuniyarawa Faces Jail Time After Pleading Guilty to Sexual Offences

In a shocking turn of events, Fijian international rugby player Api Ratuniyarawa has admitted to a series of sexual offences just days before he was scheduled to play for the Barbarians, raising concerns about the potential impact on his career and personal life.

The 37-year-old lock appeared before Cardiff Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by penetration and one charge of sexual assault. These offences, committed between October 31 and November 2, were directed at three women. The court also heard that Ratuniyarawa denied two additional charges of sexual assault related to one of the three women.

Originally set to be on the bench for the Barbarians against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on November 4, Ratuniyarawa’s future in rugby now hangs in the balance. The Crown found his pleas acceptable and has invited the court to set a date for sentencing.

Ratuniyarawa, a father-of-four, has been without a club since Premiership club London Irish went into receivership in the summer. He had hoped that playing for the Barbarians would open doors to a new playing contract, but the recent events have forced him to apply for benefits.

Ruth Smith, Ratuniyarawa’s defense attorney, requested bail and a pre-sentence report to be prepared, emphasizing the defendant’s ties to the UK and his responsibilities as the sole breadwinner for his family.

“He has been on very stringent conditions, and these are matters (that) arose out of primarily the consumption of alcohol. He is someone who has very fixed ties to the UK and has played rugby here for a significant number of years,” Smith stated.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, The Recorder of Cardiff, granted conditional bail, with stipulations including residing at his home address, observing an overnight curfew, daily reporting to the local police station, surrendering his passport, refraining from entering licensed premises, and only traveling to Wales for essential appointments.

“Now you have pleaded guilty to these offences, the case will be adjourned until January 9 next year for sentence,” Judge Lloyd-Clarke declared. “I am going to order a pre-sentence report, but you should read nothing into that, neither should you read anything into the fact that I am going to release you on conditional bail.”

As Ratuniyarawa faces the serious consequences of his actions, including potential incarceration, the rugby community grapples with the implications of the guilty plea from a player who once represented Fiji on the international stage.