Semi Radradra’s father has taken the extraordinary step of asking forgiveness from Fijian rugby fans after his son dropped the ball with the line wide open during the opening World Cup match against Wales.
Warren Gatland’s men escaped with a 32-26 victory, but former NRL star Radradra had the chance to win it at the death – but was taken out with no defenders in sight.
This prompted his father to issue an apology on social media.
“I humbly ask if the people of Fiji can forgive my son,” Samisoni Waqavatu posted online.
“It has been difficult for us as a family to come to terms with what has happened because we know we have let people down.
Semi Radrarda’s father has asked Fijian rugby fans for forgiveness after his son dropped the ball with the line wide open during the opening World Cup match against Wales.
The winger has the chance to redeem himself when Fiji take on Australia on Monday (1:45am AEST)
Semi Radradra had a stunning strike rate in the NRL with the Eels, scoring 82 tries in 94 games
“Once again, I ask you to forgive us…we are truly sorry.”
Radradra, 31, who made a splash when he played in the NRL with the Parramatta Eels between 2013 and 2017, was named on the wing in Fiji’s must-win match against the Wallabies in Saint-Etienne on Monday (1:45 a.m. AEST).
He’s also come a long way since he made $2 an hour panning for gold in his homeland.
Wallabies assistant Jason Ryles said stopping Radradra would be key to Australia’s hopes of making it back to back wins after beating Georgia in their opening pool match.
Barring a major upset, a victory against Fiji would allow the Wallabies and Wales to secure the two play-off places.
“Semi is one of those guys that bends the line and they like to play off his back…and in open space, they look for him,” Ryles said.
“He’s a huge influence on their team and one of the guys we’ll definitely have to make sure we do a good job on.”
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