Semi Radradra, the Fijian rugby star, may miss the beginning of the 2024/25 French Top 14 season with his new team, Lyon, as he is currently stuck in Fiji due to visa complications involving his son.
The 32-year-old, originally from Taveuni and who returned to France after a three-year period with England’s Bristol Bears, played against New Zealand on July 20 in San Diego. After that match, he went back to Fiji, but an issue with paperwork for his son has kept him from returning to France, now just 11 days before Lyon’s first game of the season.
It appears that Radradra expected to travel back without a visa for his son, who is under a year old and listed on his father’s passport. However, upon attempting to board his flight from Fiji, they were denied entry due to the lack of a visa for the infant.
Reports indicate that a visa is now required, with an application sent urgently, though its processing could take up to ten days as it moves through Singapore for administrative reasons.
According to reports, Radradra may return to France by Friday at the earliest, but he is expected to arrive before the Top 14 starts. An update on his condition will be provided upon his return. Lyon’s season opener is scheduled for September 7 against Montpellier.