Rising English club Bristol Bears have announced the massive signing of Fijian superstar and former NRL flyer Semi Radradra.
The Bears revealed the major coup on Wednesday night via their social media channels, slamming the door shut of a potential return to rugby league for Radradra.
Radradra has signed a three year to play under Pat Lam at Bristol, who were promoted into English premiership in 2017.
3⃣ years
— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) November 27, 2019
1⃣ world class baller
Semi Radradra is coming to @ashtongatestad ✍️#SuperSemi pic.twitter.com/s0aeJUcxsf
Radradra, who has been playing in France since leaving the Parramatta Eels in the NRL, emerged as the hottest of footballing properties at the recent Rugby World Cup, where he starred for Fiji with an average 100m a game in run metres.
“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,” Bristol Director of Rugby Lam said in a release.
“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 Gallagher 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.”
Radradra had been linked with a return to the NRL with South Sydney, said earlier in the day in French media that rugby league was “behind him”.
🎥| "He's an unbelievable professional. It's no secret what we plan to be as a club, so this is a big statement."
— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) November 27, 2019
Pat Lam on the capture of #SuperSemi 👇 pic.twitter.com/mjLpqbmc22
He said in the Bristol release that he was looking forward to playing under Lam at the Bears.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
