Fijian Drua centre rumoured to be linked to Lyon

NEWS: While Semi Radradra’s future with Lyon is in doubt it is rumoured that Fijian Drua’s Iosefo Masi will be joining the Top 14 club.

Radradra signed in 2023 and he made his debut after the World Cup, making 10 appearances. If there is no contract extension, Radradra will be a free agent from July 2025.

Among his notable achievements, the 26-year-old Masi won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in 2021 and secured victory at the World Cup Sevens in 2022, further solidifying his status as an accomplished player.

The talented and versatile Fijian has made a mark in both Sevens and the fifteens formats of the game.

Masi proceeded to carve up a successful two seasons with the Drua, scoring 16 tries and starting 29 games.

His performances didn’t go unnoticed, with Simon Raiwalui calling the midfielder up to the Fijian national team in June 2023. He ended up making the final cut for the World Cup squad, coming on as a replacement against Portugal and England.

At Lyon Masi is viewed as the ideal choice to lead the centre pairing with his superior handling skills and staunch physicality.

It remains unclear if Masi joining Lyon is dependent on what Radradra’s future is with the club.

Lyon has enjoyed a positive start to the 2024/25 season, their three wins from five games were good enough for seventh place.

With Davit Niniashvili having confirmed his departure from the club, it is expected that Lyon will announce more than a couple of big signings in the next six months.

*Additional source @RugbyPass