Eddie Jones has resumed his coaching career in rugby after stepping down from his position with the Australian team. However, his comeback has been marred by allegations of sexual assault against a member of his Barbarians team.

Fijian rugby player, Api Ratuniyarawa, made a court appearance in Cardiff just hours before the invitation squad coached by Jones was defeated by Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The recent information regarding the fees has caused a shadow to loom over the event, which was organized to commemorate 50 years of Barbarians rugby, since their triumphant victory against New Zealand in a renowned 1973 game at Cardiff Arms Park. A press conference after the match, featuring Barbarians’ coach Jones and captain Alun Wyn Jones, did not take place.

Previously, a team representative stated: “Upon being contacted by South Wales Police, we fully complied and aided them with their investigation. As per their guidance, we are unable to provide any additional comments as the inquiry is still ongoing.”

The 37-year-old man, who was added to the Fijian World Cup team as a last-minute substitute, appeared in court for allegedly sexually assaulting three women at a club in Cardiff on October 31 and November 1.

Ratuniyarawa, who was originally scheduled to be a substitute in the unofficial international match, was removed from the 23-man squad. He has denied the allegations and is currently under strict bail conditions until the case is heard in Cardiff crown court on December 4th.

There were reportedly three incidents that took place at Revolution bar in Cardiff’s city center during the early morning hours. These incidents allegedly occurred while Ratuniyarawa, a former London Irish player, was out with the Barbarians’ team. According to the prosecution, Michael Evans, Ratuniyarawa is being accused of inserting his finger into two of the women and touching the breast and body of a third woman.

Ratuniyarawa, who has also participated in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, has had an illustrious career as a player in England with Irish and Northampton, as well as in France with Agen.

Last week, Jones resigned as Australia’s coach. He then traveled to Wales to lead a Barbarians team, which included 10 of his former Wallabies players. Eight of them had been part of the World Cup disappointment. Wales ultimately won the game with a score of 49-26.

Source: theguardian.com