French Top 14 side Lyon have officially confirmed the signing of Bristol Bears' star centre Semi Radradra.
Radradra, 30, is currently one of two marquee players at Bristol but has signed a two year deal with Lyon starting on July 1, 2023.
Former rugby league convert Radradra is familiar with French top flight rugby having previously played for RC Toulon then Union Bordeaux-Bègles before joining the Bears in the summer of 2020, immediately helping the club to win the European Challenge Cup.
Radradra's time at the Bears has been impacted by a pair of knee surgeries, the first injury suffered while helping Fijian sevens win gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “We’re very grateful to Semi for his dedication and commitment to the Bears during his time here. Semi was very instrumental in our Challenge Cup success in 2020 and in helping the team finish top of the Gallagher Premiership in the 2021-22 season.
“Semi is not just a world class talent but an outstanding team man. He has made a significant impact for our team on and off the field helping and inspiring a lot of our people, especially the younger players, showing them through his actions what being a true professional is all about. These qualities have enabled him to battle back from two serious knee injuries which will allow him to continue to have a positive impact for us in our run-in for the rest of the season.
“It has been a real pleasure to have him at the Bears and we all wish him and his family well for his next chapter.”
Radradra added: “I can’t thank the club enough for all they’ve done during my time here.
“It’s a fantastic club, with great supporters and I will miss it. I’m extremely motivated to finish the season strongly and put in some memorable performances, particularly at Ashton Gate.”
Bristol have already confirmed Radradra's potential replacement in the form of fellow Fijian international Kalaveti Ravouvou from Super Rugby Pacific side Fijian Drua ahead of 2023/24 campaign.
The 24-year-old Fijian centre also made his international debut, featuring in the Pacific Nations Cup in the Autumn Nations Series.
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