‘Special to be named at 10’

Being named at first five eight as a 20-year-old was not an easy task for Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula when he joined the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in 2024. 

The Moce, Lau lad who shares maternal links to Tonga was praised by head coach Glen Jackson following his performance in the last two rounds against Waratahs and the Hurricanes. 

Despite the Drua’s 13-36 loss in Sydney in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 clash, Jackson said the young man stood up to the challenge. 

Ravula said he was grateful to have teammates who guided him on his role on the field. 

On Saturday, he kicked 10 points from two penalties and two conversions to help the side win, 25-20 over the Hurricanes. 

“It’s special,” Ravula said of being the one of the few young players on the side.

“It’s so cool to lead a great bunch of boys. But I have so many leaders amongst us, it makes my job easier. 

“Having Temo Mayanavanua, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatawa and all the boys, it’s quite fun. I’m enjoying it.”

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua player Elia Canakaivata on the attack during their Round 3 Super Rugby Pacific match between Fijian Drua and Hurricanes in Churchill Park, Lautoka on February 28, 2026.

Photo: Leon Lord

Ravula joined the Drua after his impressive outing for Fiji U20’s at the World Rugby U20 Championship, where he made the dream team of the tournament. 

He debuted for the Flying Fijians in 2024. 

He said he was never intimidated by senior players. 

“I like telling boys what to do. Sometimes I thought they’d hate but it was the other around, but no, it’s good and fun and I’m just enjoying it every day. 

“Obviously we’ve had a slow start to the year, but I’m just grateful to get the win against the Hurricanes. 

“Shout out to the fans that came out. You know, we heard them singing, and that was special. We knew we had to get the job done,” Ravula said. 

He added they’ll enjoy the bye week and continue training before they face the Brumbies next Saturday in Ba. 

“It’s been a tough preseason and it’s been a tough start to the year. So it’d be good to get away, get with our families, relax, and refresh comeback for around four.”

Ravula has played 29 matches for the Drua so far and has accumulated 199 points since his debut against the Blues on February 24, 2024.