Northampton Saints can today confirm that Fijian second-row Api Ratuniyarawa has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at Franklin’s Gardens.
The 31-year-old lock has broken into the starting XV in recent weeks with a string of superb performances, and has now been rewarded with a deal to keep him at the Club until 2020.
Ratuniyarawa, who signed from French side Agen in 2016, has turned out 31 times in the Black, Green and Gold so far, scoring two tries.
Standing at 6’ 6” tall and weighing no less than 115kg, Ratuniyarawa packs a big punch in Saints’ second row, and is affectionately known as the ‘Man Mountain’ by his teammates.
He has also represented Fiji 28 times at Test level – including at the Rugby World Cup in 2015 – but after his switch to Franklin’s Gardens, Ratuniyarawa insists he feels very much at home in Northampton.
“I’m delighted to be staying here for another two years, it really was an easy decision for me to make,” he said.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far; we have a great group of boys with a good playing environment, and I love playing for the Saints. I wanted to come here and improve, and I think I have really learned a lot from the coaches and progressed.
“I am a long way from home, but to have the small community of Islander brothers like Campese Ma’afu, Ken Pisi and Ahsee Tuala has been very helpful for me and my family. We support each other and help each other out.
“I still think I have a lot to learn and a lot more to offer to the team. I’ve been given the opportunity to play in recent weeks and I wanted to grab that with both hands and make the most of it.
“There are some world-class players in this squad and we are working together very well now as a team – I hope we can finish the season off as well as we can.”
🏔 The Man Mountain won't be moved!@ratuniyarawa_a will be a Saint for two more years having agreed a new contract until 2020 at the Gardens 💪 pic.twitter.com/sgUw32p5tf
— Northampton Saints (@SaintsRugby) January 31, 2018
Tickets are still available for Saints' Anglo-Welsh Cup clash with Harlequins on Friday 2 February from the ticket office at Franklin’s Gardens, online by CLICKING HERE or by calling the Saints Ticket Office on 01604 581000.
