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Rumours of a huge move for one of rugby's biggest names

By Ian Cameron
Semi Radradra of Fiji during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between England and Fiji at Stade Velodrome on October 15, 2023 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

Semi Radradra could be set to leave Lyon mid-season with rumours suggesting the Fijian centre is set to join a Japanese franchise.

The twenty-cap Fijian international is under contract with LOU until June 2025 but according to Midi Olympique he has multiple offers from Top League clubs and is likely to take one of them.

Despite his age (32), the move would be one of the most lucrative of his career.

His departure would mark the end of a challenging spell at Lyon where he has managed just fifteen appearances and scored one try since his arrival.

Lyon have reportedly already begun exploring options to replace Radradra. The club has shown interest in Fijian Drua's Iosefo Mafi as a potential successor, while feelers have been put out to Toulouse's Ange Capuozzo and Timoci Tavatavanawai from the Highlanders.

Born in Suva, Radradra started in Sevens but began his professional career in rugby league, joining the Parramatta Eels in Australia's NRL in 2013. During his time with the Eels, he played 94 games and scored 82 tries, earning a reputation as one of the most lethal wingers in the competition.

In 2017 Radradra made the switch to rugby union and signed with Toulon. Over two seasons he played 21 matches and scored nine tries. After leaving Toulon he joined Bordeaux Bègles where he became a key figure in their backline, bagging ten tries in 22 appearances.

His performances in France earned him a move to the English Premiership, where he played for the Bristol Bears from 2020 to 2023. At Bristol, he made 53 appearances and scored 18 tries, helping them win the European Challenge Cup in 2020.

Radradra has represented Fiji in 20 test matches, featuring in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He has scored six tries for his national team, and his versatility has seen him play across various positions including wing, centre and fullback.