Ratu Nacika was to answer for sexual assault and violence before the Dax criminal court this Thursday, in an immediate appearance procedure. He was outrageously aggressive during a very drunken evening at the beginning of November, spent in the company of his teammate and fellow Fijian Jope Naseara in Dacquois bars.
Company
From daily life to major issues, discover the subjects that make up local society, such as justice, education, health and family.
France Télévisions uses your email address to send you the “Society” newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link at the bottom of this newsletter. Our privacy policy
Four people have filed civil claims in this trial, which comes just twenty days after the events: a bar manager, two waitresses and a customer.
All four were victims of the excessive behavior of Ratu Nacika, 29 years old, 3rd row of US Dax, and his teammate Jope Naseara, winger of the club, 22 years old.
Ratu Nacika, 3rd line of US Dax, playing in Pro D2 rugby
•
© ARC
On the night of November 2 to 3, 2024, the two Fijian rugby players spent their evening in bars in downtown Dacquois, Place de la Fontaine Chaud. They drink, a lot. “They were totally out of control” assure witnesses and victims called to the bar of the criminal court. Ratu Nacika is insistent with two waitresses who are subjected to friction and touching of a sexual nature. Then, the 3rd line inflicts a violent blow on a customer, in the jaw. Finally , he breaks down a door of one of the bars he frequents. It is he, alone, who is on trial this November 21 for violence, sexual assault and damage.
His Fijian compatriot Jope Naseara will only be prosecuted for violence, having resulted in total incapacity for work of less than eight days, committed by a person in a state of obvious intoxication. He will be judged on May 5.
Jope Naseara, US Dax Avenue
•
© ARC
► READ ALSO. US Dax: Jope Naseara will be tried for violence, Ratu Nacika for sexual assault
Before the judges, Ratu Nacika declared that he had no memory of the facts. He apologizes, says to himself “sorry for everything that happened“.
The two waitresses are demanding 1,000 euros for legal costs, plus a symbolic euro for one of them. The stricken customer asks for 500 euros for moral damage. As for the prosecutor, he requests fifteen months in prison with suspended probation and a ban on contact with the victims. He also wants the defendant to follow an awareness course on sexual assault against women.
On the defense side, the player’s lawyer pleads for acquittal, emphasizing the absence of a medical certificate or psychological expertise which would corroborate the sexual assaults. “An accusation proves nothing” she says.
Rapu Nacika, 1m97 and 115kg, joined US Dax last season when the club was promoted to Pro D2. President Benjamin Gufflet had condemned, in a press release, “any inappropriate behavior” after the custody of his players. He raised the possibility of a disciplinary procedure and said he was thinking about a risk prevention program for the players.
