Radradra can put 5,000 on the gate

BACK in the 1980s, when players rarely moved club, let alone country, Bristol tried to buck the trend by recruiting a littleknown (now long-forgotten) wing from deepest France. It was not a conspicuous success.

Having found their new speedster some paid employment in a local restaurant, they discovered to their horror that he was expected to work on Saturdays and was therefore unavailable for selection.

How times have changed. The West Countrymen are now so brilliantly organised, they can make the boldest of pitches for one of the hottest attacking talents in the world game and close the deal with a minimum of fuss and bother.

Semi Radradra is a spectacular capture and a thrilling statement of intent. If the prospect of a Radradra-Charles Piutau-Luke Morahan back three does not put another 5,000 on the average gate, rugby in the maritime city really will be sunk.