BIO

Welsh native Rai, 21 signs for the 26/27 season after a successful trial., He joined the academy of Newport County in 2021 at under-15 level, making his debut in March 2023, and becoming the first player of Nepalese descent to appearin the EFL or Premier League in the process. His father is a former British Army Gurkha. He scored his first professional goal in dramatic fashion, heading home against PremierLeague side Brentford in the 96th minute of a Carabao Cup tie tosend it to penalties. He made another appearance in the EFL Cup the subsequent year, lining up against thelikes of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Raphael Varane as Manchester United bested the Exiles 4-2 at Rodney Parade. After 30 appearances for Newport over two seasons, he was released at the end of the 24/25 season and was signed by Aldershot in June 2025. He made 23 appearances for the Shots in the first half of last season, scoring two goals and assisting one, before going out on loan to Merthyr Town where he spent time as a youngster before joining Newport. He made 13 appearances in the National League North recording four goal contributions.