Eddie Jones and Steve Hansen are embroiled in a tug of war over Semi Radradra’s services for the Barbarians clash against the World XV in May.
Former England boss Jones will take charge of the Barbarians to face ex-All Blacks coach Hansen’s World XV at Twickenham, in what is already shaping up as an intriguing encounter.
And while the two seasoned coaches pitting their wits against each other on the field appears compelling enough, now both men want Bristol and Fiji star Radradra for their own team.
Radradra should now be in position to take his pick of the two sides.
“There’s a bit of a tug of war between Steve and Eddie for Radradra,” a source close to the Barbarians told Standard Sport.
“They both want him to play for them in the centre. I mean, who wouldn’t? He’s an unbelievable player, one of the best in the world.
“So it looks like Semi has some thinking to do; BaaBaas with Eddie or World XV with Steve.
“It’s going to be a difficult decision for the Fijian.”
Jones was sacked by England in December but will find himself back at his Twickenham stomping ground in May, while he is also available for more permanent regular coaching work after being unseated by the RFU.
The 62-year-old could yet join Australia’s coaching ranks in time for the 2023 World Cup in France, and a Barbarians stint will just add another string to his bow.
Hansen led New Zealand to the 2015 World Cup crown, having been Graham Henry’s assistant for the 2011 triumph.
Radradra has starred for Bristol as among the most exciting attacking talents in the world, and has been consistently linked with a big-money return to France’s Top 14.
