Semi returns to Toulon - but huge offer awaits him at rival club

Semi Radradra belatedly returned to training with Top 14 Toulon on Wednesday, January 3, amid rumours that he will walk out on the club at the end of the season.

As reported, the cross-coder and fellow Fijian Josua Tuisova failed to report for training ahead of the club’s trip to Toulouse following a Christmas break.

The latter turned up in time to catch the bus and watch a tight match from the stands at Ernest Wallon, but Radradra remained a no-show – only returning for duty on Wednesday, a day after club owner Mourad Boudjellal expected him to show up at the club’s Berg training ground.

He will be available for selection for the weekend’s Top 14 trip to Brive.

His first port of call on his return was probably the office of coach Fabien Galthie, not only to explain his extended absence but to address the latest speculation about his future at the club.

In November, it was reported that Bordeaux had approached the player with a big-money offer.

This week, French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique said that the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed on a two-year €600,000-a-year deal that would take Radradra from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic.

The former NRL star, who scored 82 tries in 94 matches for Parramatta Eels, has made a seamless transition back to the 15-player game, where he played for Fiji in rugby sevens as an 18-year-old.

As well as scoring tries of his own, he has formed a strong partnership with another new arrival at Toulon, Chris Ashton, who has his team-mate to thank for several of the 11 touchdowns he has scored already this season.

If confirmed, with Midi Olympique expecting an announcement in the next few days, it would be a change of direction for the player. Radradra has long preferred short-term contracts. At the Eels, he would commit to 12-month deals and his move to Toulon is on a one-year plus one-year option agreement.

Midol also expects Fijian-born centre Seta Tamanivalu to sign a two or three-year deal with Bordeaux, after falling down the All Blacks‘ pecking order.