Rugby star, Api Ratuniyarawa Sentenced to Two Years and 10 months For The Sex attacks of Three Teenagers

A prominent rugby player, Api Ratuniyarawa, from Fiji, faced legal consequences for sexually assaulting three young women during consecutive nights of heavy drinking with fellow rugby teammates. This incident occurred before the Barbarians game against Wales, where Ratuniyarawa, a former player for London Irish, was scheduled to play in front of 70,000 spectators at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

During his stay in Wales to prepare for the game, Ratuniyarawa spent numerous evenings socializing with other international stars, culminating in assaults on three separate occasions at Revolution nightclub in Cardiff. Prosecutors presented CCTV footage depicting each assault, highlighting Ratuniyarawa's attempts to kiss, grope, and touch the victims without their consent.

The victims, all 19-year-old women who didn't know each other, shared their traumatic experiences in court. They described the assaults as shocking, painful, and life-altering, expressing struggles with their emotional well-being and personal lives since the incidents. One victim mentioned feeling like her identity and confidence had been taken away, impacting her ability to have intimate relationships.

Ratuniyarawa pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by penetration and one of sexual assault. In his defense, his lawyer stated his genuine remorse and deep shame for his actions, acknowledging his complete responsibility for the distressing events. The judge acknowledged Ratuniyarawa's remorse but emphasized the severity of his offenses, sentencing him to two years and 10 months in jail.

Additionally, a three-year restraining order was imposed on Ratuniyarawa concerning one of the victims.

[SOURCE]