‘Extremely motivated’ Semi Radradra names his new club after exiting France
Semi Radradra in action for Lyon last December
Semi Radradra is off to Japan to become teammates with Charles Piutau and Kwagga Smith after finishing up his two-year deal with Lyon.
It was in France where the Fijian midfielder initially established his fearsome reputation in union, playing for Toulon and Bordeaux after switching from rugby league where he represented Australia while playing for Parramatta Eels in the NRL.
Radradra was then snapped up by Pat Lam’s Bristol in 2020 but that three-year stay in England ended before he starred for the quarter-final-reaching Fiji at Rugby World Cup 2023.
The soon-to-be 33-year-old Radradra made 18 Top 14 appearances in the 2024/25 season that ended with Lyon finishing in 11th place and he has now been unveiled as a Shizuoka Blue Revs signing in Japan.
His new club finished their most recent campaign with 14 wins in 18 regular season matches in Japan Rugby League One, but they lost out to Kobe Steelers in their first play-off match. Just over six weeks after that elimination, the club announced their capture of Radradra.
“Playing in the Japan League One has been a goal of mine…”
A social media post read: “The newest addition to Shizuoka Blue Revs is Semi Radradra from the Republic of Fiji. Representing Fiji, he boasts 11 caps, including two Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023, and won a gold medal in the 7s at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
“The 33-year-old also has experience being selected for the Australian national rugby league team (nicknamed the Kangaroos), showcasing his wealth of experience.”
Radradra said: “It’s an honour to be joining the Blue Revs next season. Playing in the Japan League One has been a goal of mine and I’m excited that I get to join a top club like Blue Revs.
“I’m extremely motivated and will give my all to add to the team next season. I’m very much looking forward to my arrival in Japan and meeting my new teammates and coaches and getting stuck into pre-season training. See you all soon!”
