Semi Radradra, the star player for the Flying Fijians, is facing challenges in returning to France and may miss the start of the 2024/25 French Top 14 season with his new team, Lyon. The 32-year-old native of Somosomo in Taveuni has been unable to travel back due to visa complications concerning his son.
After playing against the All Blacks in San Diego on July 20, Radradra returned to Fiji, but an administrative issue related to his son’s paperwork has kept him from returning to France just 11 days before his club’s opening match. Initially, he believed he could travel without a visa for his son, who is under a year old and was born in France, but he was stopped from boarding the flight back.
Reports indicate that a visa was ultimately required for his son, and an urgent application was submitted, which is currently awaiting processing, potentially taking up to 10 days. Radradra is expected to return to France on Friday at the earliest, but he should arrive before the Top 14 resumes. Lyon’s first match is scheduled for September 7 against Montpellier. An update on Radradra’s physical condition will be provided upon his arrival.