Iosefo Masi, an Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion in rugby sevens, is reportedly in discussions with French Top 14 club Lyon about a potential transfer.
French media have indicated that Lyon is seeking to sign Masi as a replacement for Semi Radradra. The club’s management views Masi as an excellent candidate to strengthen their center pairing, citing his impressive handling abilities and physical play as assets that could enhance a team that narrowly avoided relegation in the 2023/2024 season.
It is uncertain whether Masi’s potential move to Lyon is linked to Radradra’s status with the team. Radradra joined Lyon in the summer of 2023, debuting post-World Cup and participating in 10 matches during his first campaign. If he does not secure a contract extension, he will become a free agent in July 2025.
Masi, who is 26 years old, began his career with the Fiji 7s squad and was a member of the team that won gold at the 2021 Olympics under coach Gareth Baber. He also lifted the Melrose Cup with the Fiji 7s before transitioning to 15s rugby, where he signed with the Fijian Drua.
During his two successful seasons with the Drua, Masi scored 16 tries and started in 29 games, earning a call-up to the Flying Fijians. Most recently, he won a silver medal with the Fiji 7s team at the Paris Olympics.