Star Fijian centre Semi Radradra was in France this weekend touring the training ground of Top 14 club Lyon according to sources across the Channel.
Radradra, 30, is understood to be out of contract at the end of the season as one of the Bears’ marquee players meaning his salary sits outside of the £5m baseline salary cap.
Clever accounting means Bristol, despite being bottom of the Gallagher Premiership, have two marquee players while many clubs only have one this season, with Charles Piutau the other high earner. However with both men’s current contracts expiring this season in 2023/24 the club will only be able to have one marquee players.
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Eleven cap Fijian international Radradra has been linked with several possible overseas clubs with his former side Bordeaux-Begles speaking with him before seemingly ruling out a move in recent weeks.
Now, leading French newspaper L’Equipe report Lyon are leading the chase to sign the superstar as a replacement for Josua Tuisova who is set to join Racing 92 next season.
The publication reports Radradra was in France this weekend to speak with senior club officials, tour their facilities and have his knees medically examined following double surgery. Radradra is reported to have satisfied the doctors and now has a decision to make on his future.
Earlier this month his current director of rugby Pat Lam said he was pleased with the physical condition and form of his star man who was in defence terrifying form in the first half on Friday night during Bristol’s 33-19 win over Perpignan to set up a home tie against ASM Clermont Auvergne in the last 16 knockout round of the European Challenge Cup.
Radradra finished the game with the most metres gained by a back and managed four successful defence-splitting offloads to emphasise his importance to this Bristol side.
