Fiji international Api Ratuniyarawa pens new deal with Northampton

Fiji international Api Ratuniyarawa has committed his immediate future with Northampton Saints after penning a new contract with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Ratuniyarawa started his professional rugby career with Agen in 2015 and headed to Franklin's Gardens ahead of the 2016/17 season and has gone on to make 79 appearances for the club since then including 52 Premiership games.

“It’s an honour for me to sign on again for such a great Club,” he told the official website of the club

“Northampton really feels like home for my family and I now, and it has been a great four years so we’re delighted to be staying here.

“The Club has really developed since I arrived, especially within the squad with many young guys coming through. The coaches are doing a great job and we have a good balance within the squad, so I’m really excited to stay on to be a part of this.

“For me and my family, playing in front of such a passionate group of fans at Franklin’s Gardens is one of the most special things about playing here. Hopefully, with the squad we have, we can work hard and deliver some more silverware for them in the coming seasons.”

The 33-year-old lock made his international debut in 2012 and has represented Fiji in 35 Tests including five games in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup campaigns combined.

“Api’s been here a long time and he’s a really popular member of our group," said Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd.

“He works hard, he’s heavy and he’s a great ball carrier, so he offers a lot to us and gives a good balance to our loose forwards. He’s a good man with really good core skills, so we’re very pleased to retain him.

“He’s one of the senior boys here now and we’ve no doubt that he will continue to perform well for Northampton Saints.”