Fijian Drua player Iosefo Masi is reportedly a target for Lyon, a club in France’s Top 14, who see him as an ideal replacement for Semi Radradra. The 26-year-old made his mark with the Fiji sevens team, contributing to their Rugby World Cup victory and securing a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics before transitioning to XVs rugby.
During his two seasons with the Drua, Masi scored 16 tries and started in 29 matches. His impressive performances led to a call-up to the Fijian national team in June 2023, where he was included in the final Rugby World Cup squad and played as a substitute in matches against Portugal and England.
Lyon’s management views Masi as the perfect candidate to strengthen their center pairing, hoping his exceptional skills and physical presence can enhance a team that faced relegation struggles in the previous season.
It remains uncertain whether Masi’s potential move to Lyon is contingent upon Radradra’s status with the club. The former Bristol Bears player joined Lyon in the summer of 2023, making ten appearances after the World Cup. If he does not receive a contract extension, Radradra will become a free agent in July 2025.
Lyon has started the 2024/25 season well, securing three wins from five games and currently sitting in seventh place. With Davit Niniashvili confirmed to be leaving the club, Lyon is anticipated to announce multiple significant signings in the upcoming months.