Ravula Out of Hurricans Clash

The  Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will be without first-five eighth Isaiah Ravula-Armstrong in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against Hurricanes at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium on Friday.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by Drua head coach Mick Byrne saying the 20-year-old is mourning the passing of his grandfather.

“It is part of our values- faith and family and when something like this happens to a family member, we are fully supportive of it,” Byrne said.

“He is going to be staying home with his family and sharing that week with them.

“It’s a sad time and I think it’s important that our players can spend time with their family.”

Ravula’s uncle, former Crusaders and All Blacks first-five eighth, Richie Mo’unga, posted on social media: “On Friday, 12th of April 2024, our Dad took his last breath in the arms of our strong and courageous mum. Our hearts are broken but we are at peace that Dad is finally free from pain.”

Ravula’s mother is the older sister of Mou’nga.

After the Crusaders 43-40 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney last Friday night, veteran halfback Mitch Drummond conveyed the team’s condolences to the Mo’unga family.

“My best mate’s old man passed away so I want to shout out to the family and we’re thinking of you, and I’ll send our love and best wishes for the next couple of weeks,” Drummond said.

With Ravula ruled out, then Byrne will look at the top contenders of the No.10 spot, which could be Kemu Valetini, rookie Isikeli Rabitu, utility back Simi-one Kuruvoli and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Ramasibana yet to sign

Meanwhile, France-based US Perpig-nan blindside flanker Taniela Rasima-bana has joined the Fijian Drua squad.

“The 23-year-old, a former Fiji Under-20 rep in 2019 is in the country and has joined the team,” said Byrne.

“He’s come back and he’s just in town. So when we have Sailosi (Vukalokalo) and Isoa (Nasilasila) injured we just put him on a short-term contract to be able to train and compete with us,” he said.

Fijian Drua prop Haereiti Hetet takes a swing during the inaugural Rooster Chicken Drua Ambrose Golf Day at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club on April 15, 2024. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

“He’s in a little bit of a training programme, we haven’t signed him or any-thing at this stage. He came back from France, and we had a bit of a testing day with him since we lost two locks. So, it was an opportune time for him to stay with us and he’s been training with us and getting fitter, and we’ll just see how it goes.”

Byrne was attending the Rooster Chicken Drua Ambrose Golf Day at the Denarau Gold and Racquet Club. The players, who took part in a game of golf, included Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiata-ma, Nasilasila and Caleb Muntz.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj