'My oh my' - How the rugby world reacted to Radradra to Bristol

Bristol Bears announced one of the biggest signings in recent years on Wednesday, as Fiji and Bordeaux star Semi Radradra is set to join them next season.

Off the back of a brilliant Rugby World Cup campaign, where he beat the most defenders despite only playing four games, there was a lot of interest in the 27-year-old all over the world.

Given the success the former Parramatta Eels star had in rugby league, scoring 82 tries in 94 matches, a move back to the NRL seemed likely, so Bristol have shown their intent by signing him on a three-year deal.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam has given a glowing endorsement of the outside back, and is aware of how great an impact he can make at Ashton Gate.

He said: “There is no doubt that Semi is one of the best players in the world – he’s truly a world class performer and we are so excited about what he can do for the team.

“Every top club across both codes on the planet wanted him, so for Bristol to be able to bring in a player of his quality underlines the fantastic work that the club is doing.”

A deal of this magnitude has garnered quite a reaction across the rugby world, with players, former players and coaches describing the Fijian as one of the best players on the planet.

Montpellier winger Nemani Nadolo was particularly complimentary of his countryman on Twitter, suggesting he can get better in a “great structure”. That is something that the rugby world will be curious to see, and he may be in the right place to do so under Lam.

This has been the reaction:

https://twitter.com/nemani_nadolo/status/1199652146372894720?s=20
https://twitter.com/AndyGoode10/status/1199636162312331264?s=20
https://twitter.com/TommyBowe/status/1199647319156760576?s=20
https://twitter.com/JiffyRugby/status/1199610367552438272?s=20
https://twitter.com/TomMay1/status/1199628198679588865?s=20
https://twitter.com/Jason15Robinson/status/1199625361795026944?s=20
https://twitter.com/benjaminryan/status/1199615549669597184?s=20
https://twitter.com/rorylawson9/status/1199614327755550720?s=20

?…simply box office signing !! https://t.co/XOItQjk7CQ

— Mike Friday (@MikeFriday09) November 27, 2019

Since earning promotion back to the Gallagher Premiership in 2018, Lam has had a clear vision with Bristol and is making them a force in England. Regarding his move, Radradra highlighted this, saying: “It’s a fantastic club to be joining with a bright future ahead. I can’t wait to get started and contributing to the Bristol Bears vision.”

Bristol already sit at the top of the league table, and they have made a statement of intent for 2020.