Api Ratuniyarawa

Fiji international rugby player Api Ratuniyarawa, aged 37 and residing in Northamptonshire, has been sentenced to two years and 10 months' imprisonment for committing a series of sexual offences against three young women. The offences occurred in Cardiff between 31 October and 2 November 2023, just before Ratuniyarawa was due to play for the Barbarians against Wales at the Principality Stadium on 4 November 2023.

At Cardiff Crown Court, Ratuniyarawa pleaded guilty in December 2023 to two counts of assault by penetration and one charge of sexual assault. He denied two further charges of sexual assault relating to one of the victims. The court heard that Ratuniyarawa had travelled to Cardiff for media commitments and training ahead of the match. Prosecuting barrister Heath Edwards KC stated that the defendant spent several nights socialising at the Revolution bar in Cardiff on the evenings of 31 October, 1 November, and 2 November. CCTV footage from the bar's VIP area was presented in court, capturing the three incidents involving the young women.

One of the victims delivered a poignant impact statement during the sentencing hearing on 9 January 2024. She described the attack as coming 'out of the blue' and 'sudden, shocking', leaving her feeling 'degraded, embarrassed and humiliated'. She explained how the incident had affected not only her but also her family, stating, 'I should be excited to be going out with my friends, but I can't stop thinking about what has happened.' The victim, who had been independent prior to the assault, recounted her distress: 'I couldn't shower until I'd been examined and all I wanted to do was wash that man off me.' She added, 'This man had his whole career ahead of him, and such a high-profile person. He did this to me. He's ruined my life by what he's done, and I feel like I'm in my own personal hell.'

In mitigation, defence barrister Ruth Smith KC conveyed Ratuniyarawa's apologies to each of the victims, noting his 'limited recollection' of the events due to excessive alcohol consumption, which she described as 'completely out of character'. Ms Smith highlighted that Ratuniyarawa had 'never drunk that much before in his entire life' and that the incidents occurred during a period of personal upheaval, including unemployment following the receivership of his club, London Irish, in the summer of 2023. As a father of four, he supported his immediate family and others financially, leading to significant stress. Ms Smith quoted those from Fiji Rugby who described Ratuniyarawa as a 'dedicated and valuable asset', adding that he recognised his legacy was 'forever tarnished' and that he had let down himself, his family, and his country.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke imposed the custodial sentence and granted a three-year restraining order in relation to one of the victims. The case was reported by Sky News on 9 January 2024, with details corroborated by court proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court. South Wales Police provided imagery of the defendant.