Parramatta Eels consider rugby union stint for Semi Radradra after shock exit
Parramatta officials would be prepared to consider allowing Test winger Semi Radradra to play rugby union in France until the start of next season if he commits to a long-term deal with the embattled club.
Radradra flew to Fiji on Saturday and has told friends he does not intend to return, but the Eels expect him back for training before their next match against Cronulla on July 2 at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
There has been speculation in France linking Radradra with Bordeaux but the deadline for registering players ahead of the upcoming Top 14 season was last week and the wing sensation's name wasn't among the list of signings announced by the club.
However, Parramatta officials have been aware for some time that Radradra is dealing with some personal issues and was considering a move to rugby union in France or Japan.
Despite switching his allegiances to represent Australia in last month's trans-Tasman Test against New Zealand,
Radradra is ineligible for the Wallabies because he played rugby sevens for Fiji in 2011.
It is understood the Eels would be willing to consider allowing him to play in France from August until next April if he agrees to a new contract tying him to the club for the next three seasons.
The Japanese Top League rugby union competition begins in November and has a shorter season.
Radradra is signed to Parramatta until the end of next season and the Eels have made it clear they expect him to honour his contract.
However, a stint in rugby union would be discussed as part of negotiations for a new contract.
The 24-year-old's departure to Fiji on Saturday has been compared to Sonny Bill Williams sensationally walking out on Canterbury in 2008 to play rugby union for Toulon in France.
The Eels say the difference is that they were aware Radradra was flying to Fiji and had given him permission to return home during the club's bye week.
A return flight has been booked but Radradra reportedly told friends before his departure that he did not intend to come back.
Fairfax Media understands that he missed a flight to Darwin in the lead-up to last weekend's match against Gold Coast after being allowed to return to Fiji and joined team-mates several days later than scheduled.
Parramatta recently released hooker Nathan Peats to Gold Coast and centre Ryan Morgan to Melbourne, while former Test forward Anthony Watmough retired to enable the club to play for points after breaching the NRL salary cap. The Eels have won the past three matches to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, Parramatta said they expected Radradra to return before the Cronulla match.
"The Parramatta Eels can confirm that Semi Radradra has been granted permission to return to Fiji for a short family visit during the bye round," the statement said.
"He is expected to return to Sydney in time to prepare for the club's next NRL game against Cronulla.
"Semi Radradra is contracted to play for the Parramatta Eels until the end of the 2017 season, and has given no indication that the contract will not be honoured."
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...shock-exit-20160618-gpmela.html#ixzz4BvrAxSMn
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