Fijian rugby star Semi ‘trailer’ Radradra might make a surprise appearance for the Fiji men’s 7s outfit during the Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Chief executive officer at Fiji Rugby Union, John O’Connor, confirmed the Bristol Bears player had shown interest in representing the country at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics next month.
“We are considering the likelihood of some overseas-based players joining the team in Australia,” he said. “We are still having discussions on that at the moment.
“The likelihood of Aminiasi Tuimaba and Vilimoni Botitu joining camp is in the air however details are not finalised at the moment. “We are currently having discussions with their respective clubs on their release.
“The head coach will make the final decision regarding the duo’s final inclusion in the team if they do make an appearance pertaining to their match fitness in the 7s code.”
O’Connor further added the possibility of Radradra joining the team in Japan.
“We are considering the option of whether we fly him to Australia or direct to Japan.
“He will be in camp with the rest of the boys chosen before the final selection of the Fiji men’s 7s team for the Olympics.
“We are considering all the best available options presently because the idea is to ‘bring back the gold from Tokyo’ so in order to achieve that mission, only the best players will don the white jersey with the coconut tree emblem. “Nothing is finalised at the moment and we are keeping our fingers crossed.”
Tuimaba and Botitu play club rugby in France while Radradra is based in England.
The defending gold medallists in the abbreviated code are expected to transit at Nadi International Airport upon their return from Australia and fly to Narita, Japan the same day.
The national 7s team departed for Australia yesterday to feature in the three-day PacificAus Sport Oceania 7s tournament at Townsville Stadium scheduled from June 25-27.
