Fiji's Semi Radradra Trains With Army Rugby Team Ahead Of Olympics

Fiji international rugby union player Semi Radradra has been training with the Army Sevens team ahead of the Olympics.

Radradra is friends with current Army Sevens head coach Corporal Isoa Damudamu and was given the opportunity to mix it up with the military players.

The Bristol Bears player was preparing for Fiji's Olympic matches this summer in Tokyo.

"I played with 'Damu' when I used to play sevens," said Radradra.

"I knew to train with them and test my ability and fitness-wise as well.

"Changing from 15s to Sevens is a lot of work so that's why I'm here today and yesterday, just to get some game fitness."

For Cpl Damudamu, it was an opportunity to help a friend but also give the team someone to learn from.

He said: "You can see the difference with the morale.

"It's been a boost to not only the players themselves but the team and to the management as well."

Fiji will be looking to retain their Olympics Sevens title in Tokyo but, while training in Aldershot, Radradra was pleased to pass on some wisdom.

He explained: "They took it on board. It’s just the way we are brought up. We help each other."

For the Army players, it was a massive boost to play with Radradra, who took the 2019 Rugby World Cup by storm.

"The morale is high. The skill level moved up a level," said Sergeant Si Vunivesilevu.

Meanwhile, Sapper Michael McDonald revealed he'd been watching Radradra and enjoyed getting to train with him.

"A player of his standard and calibre is massive, so for us to get chucking a ball around with him was spot on," he said.

"I've been watching him for years so, yeah, a good player."