Semi Radradra, the Flying Fijians star, is currently facing delays in Fiji that could prevent him from participating in the opening of the 2024/25 French Top 14 season with his new club, Lyon. The hold-up is due to a visa issue concerning his young son.
The 32-year-old winger, originally from Somosomo in Taveuni, relocated back to France last season after three years with Bristol in England. He recently played for Fiji against the All Blacks on July 20 in San Diego. After that match, Radradra returned to Fiji, but complications with paperwork concerning his son have kept him from returning to France just 11 days before Lyon’s first match.
Radradra reportedly believed he could travel without a visa for his son, who is under a year old and listed on his father’s passport. However, he was denied boarding when attempting to leave Fiji. The situation requires the necessary paperwork to be processed urgently, with reports indicating that an application is currently in transit through Singapore. There is a possibility that processing could take up to 10 days.
According to L’Equipe, Radradra might return to France by Friday at the earliest, and he is expected to arrive before the Top 14 season kicks off. Lyon’s opener is scheduled for September 7 against Montpellier. An update on Radradra’s physical condition will be provided upon his arrival in France.