Rugby player from Barbarians admits to having sex attacks in a pub

A rugby player from the Barbarians team has confessed to touching three women inappropriately at a bar in Cardiff.

Api Ratuniyarawa, aged 37, admitted to committing two assaults and one sexual assault at Revolution between October 31 and November 1.

The Fiji international player was chosen to play for the Barbarians against Wales at the Principality Stadium last month.

Ratuniyarawa from The Orchard in Kislingbury, Northamptonshire, said he was guilty in Cardiff Crown Court.

Ruth Smith, who is representing Ratuniyarawa, requested to have his bail conditions extended before his sentencing on 9 January.

She said he and his family, including his wife and four children, have strong connections to the UK and he won’t try to run away.

Ms Smith said that the attacks happened because people were drinking too much alcohol.

She said: “The person accused is the only one who earns money for the family. He has many meetings set up to make sure his family has enough money.

Api Ratuniyarawa does not have a club because the team he used to play for, London Irish, closed down.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke approved the request for bail. Ratuniyarawa must stay at home from 7:00pm to 7:00am and go to the Northampton police station every day.

He can’t come to Wales or talk to his victims, unless it’s for his sentencing hearing.

He was picked to play for the Barbarians against Wales on 4 November but then he got in trouble.

The player, who has also played for Northampton Saints and in France, was hoping to get a job with a new club by playing for the invitational side, but now he has to apply for benefits instead.

The Barbarians team is made up of players from various clubs who play in several games together every year.

Ratuniyarawa said he did not commit two more sexual assault charges against one of the women. The prosecutors agreed with his denials.

Ratuniyarawa was also added to the list of people who have committed sex offenses.