Semi Radradra Turagasoli Waqavatu, known as Semi Radradra or "Semi Trailer," is a Fijian professional rugby player who has excelled in both rugby league and rugby union. He was born on June 13, 1992, in the village of Somosomo in Taveuni, Fiji.
Radradra's rugby career began in the Vatukoula Rugby Union club, where he played amateur rugby union. In 2011, he represented the Fiji national U20 team at the IRB Junior World Championship as a center.
Later that year, while playing for the Fiji national rugby sevens team at the Dubai Sevens tournament, he caught the attention of scouts from the Parramatta Eels, a team in the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia.
He made his NRL debut for the Parramatta Eels in 2013, playing on the wing. In his first season, Radradra scored five tries in seven appearances. He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting and prolific try-scorers in the NRL, earning the nickname "Semi-Trailer." Radradra's speed, power, and try-scoring ability made him a fan favorite.
Radradra played for the Parramatta Eels until the end of the 2017 season, amassing an impressive try-scoring record. During his time with the Eels, he was selected to represent Fiji in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
In 2014, he became the highest try-scorer in the NRL Auckland Nines tournament and was named the Dally M Winger of the Year. He continued his try-scoring exploits in the following seasons, winning the Dally M Winger of the Year award for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015.
In 2017, Radradra had his best season with the Eels, scoring a career-best four tries in a single match and finishing the season with 22 tries in 26 appearances. His outstanding performances caught the attention of clubs in Europe, and it was confirmed that he would be joining French Top 14 club Toulon after the 2017 NRL season.
Radradra made his rugby union debut for Toulon in the 2017-18 Top 14 season. He scored a try in his first match in the European Rugby Champions Cup. In February 2018, he signed a two-year deal with another Top 14 team, Bordeaux.
After impressing in both rugby league and rugby union, Radradra made his international rugby union debut for Fiji in 2018. He represented Fiji in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where he showcased his skills and scored five tries. Radradra's performances at the World Cup earned him a contract with the English club Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership. He joined Bristol Bears for the 2020-21 season.
In addition to his success in rugby union, Radradra has also excelled in rugby sevens. He represented Fiji in the Fiji national rugby sevens team at various tournaments, including the London Sevens and the 2020 Summer Olympics.
At the Olympics, he played a pivotal role in helping Fiji win the gold medal in the men's rugby sevens tournament.
Off the field, Radradra has faced personal challenges. In early 2017, he was charged with domestic violence-related common assault toward his ex-partner.
However, the charges were later dropped when it was revealed that his ex-partner had lied in an attempt to blackmail him.
Throughout his career, Semi Radradra has been admired for his exceptional try-scoring ability, explosive speed, and powerful running style.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Radradra has been named in the training squad for Fiji.
KG(20/06/2023)
Career
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Fiji Outside Centre |
2018 - present |
 |
World XV Outside Centre |
2023 - present |
 |
Lyon Inside Centre |
2023 - present |
 |
RC Toulon Left Wing |
2017 - 2018 |
 |
Barbarians Outside Centre |
2018 - 2018 |
 |
Union Bordeaux Begles Outside Centre |
2018 - 2020 |
 |
Fiji 7's Outside Centre |
2018 - 2022 |
 |
Bristol Bears Outside Centre |
2020 - 2023 |
