Semi Radradra, the star player for the Flying Fijians, is currently in Fiji and may miss the opening of the 2024/25 French Top 14 season with his new club, Lyon, due to visa complications involving his son. The 32-year-old, originally from Somosomo in Taveuni, had returned to Fiji following his match against the All Blacks on July 20 in San Diego. However, an issue with paperwork for his son has delayed Radradra’s return to France, just 11 days ahead of his club’s first match.
Reports indicate that Radradra mistakenly believed that his son could travel to France without a visa, as the child is listed on his father’s passport. However, when attempting to board a flight from Fiji, they were denied boarding. It has come to light that the son, who is under a year old and was born in France, does in fact require a visa. The urgent application has been submitted, but processing could take up to 10 days due to administrative protocols in Singapore.
Should everything go as planned, Radradra is expected to return to France by Friday; however, he will need to arrive before the Top 14 season resumes to be fit to play. Lyon is set to kick off their season with an away game against Montpellier on September 7. An update regarding Radradra’s condition is anticipated upon his arrival in France.