Bristol Bears sign Fiji star Radradra on three-year deal

Bristol Bears have signed Fiji star Semi Radradra on a three-year contract.

The 27-year-old wing will move to Ashton Gate ahead of the start of the 2020-21 season.

Radradra lit up the Rugby World Cup pool stages in Japan this year despite Fiji winning only one match, against Georgia, and losing to Australia, Uruguay and Wales.

Formerly of Toulon before joining Bordeaux-Begles last year, Radradra also scored 82 tries in 94 appearances in the NRL for Parramatta Eels.

“I’m looking forward to coming to the Premiership and to be playing under [director of rugby] Pat Lam at Bristol Bears,” he told the club’s website. 

“They are one of the most exciting teams in Europe right now and the way that they are doing things is making everybody take notice.

“I visited the world-class facilities at Ashton Gate and saw the progress of the new training ground – it’s a fantastic club to be joining with a bright future ahead. I can’t wait to get started and contributing to the Bristol Bears vision.”

29 – Despite playing just four games Semi Radradra beat the most defenders of any player at the 2019 @rugbyworldcup (29); in fact, only four players have ever beaten more in an edition of the tournament (J Lomu twice, J Kirwan, J Robinson & S Cordero). Bear. pic.twitter.com/pYlifNJ3bJ

— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) November 27, 2019

“There is no doubt that Semi is one of the best players in the world – he’s truly a world-class performer and we are so excited about what he can do for the team,” Lam added.

“Every top club across both codes on the planet wanted him, so for Bristol to be able to bring in a player of his quality underlines the fantastic work that the club is doing. Semi has clarity about our vision and knows what the club want to achieve. As a person and a player, he is perfect for our culture which places an emphasis on community and high performance.

“I got to know Semi well at the Barbarians and we were blown away by his professionalism and dedication. He is world-class because of the relentless work and preparation he puts into his game, day in day out. It’s no surprise that he has taken the World Cup and French Top 14 by storm – Semi is the ultimate professional.

“We believe the Premiership is the best league in the world and Semi’s arrival into the league will only enhance the product further. He’s an unstoppable force and we are looking forward to seeing him light up the competition for the next three seasons.”

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