After making their debuts for the Turbos this year, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Waqa Nalaga have been named in the Fijian Drua squad for Super Rugby Pacific.

Both players have signed multi-year contracts with the Drua. It’s another big career step for the duo who have represented Fiji and the Hurricanes at under-20 level.

Armstrong-Ravula says it feels surreal to sign his first Super Rugby contract and potentially play against some of the best players in the world.

“As a kid, I always dreamed of playing Super Rugby. Just last year I was dreaming of playing for the Turbos, and now to being playing for them and signed with the Drua, it doesn’t feel real.   

“I’m looking forward being in the Drua environment and learning more about being a professional player on and off the field. I want to learn as much as I can and work on the little things. It’s going to be a big step up, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”  

The Christchurch-born first five-eighth is eligible to represent Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, or New Zealand at international level, but has made himself available for Fiji by signing with the Drua.

Armstrong-Ravula says he has always felt the strongest connection to his Fijian heritage. His grandfather hails from the island of Moce in Fiji’s Lau province.

“Growing up, I loved watching Fijian sevens – players like William Ryder and Waisale Serevi. I loved watching the players with a lot of flair,” says Armstrong- Ravula.

Armstrong- Ravula joined the Manawatū Academy last year after being spotted while playing for Christchurch’s Saint Andrew’s College. He has gone on represent the Hurricanes Under 20s in the past two years.

The 19-year-old comes from good first-five stock, being the nephew of All Black Richie Mo’unga.

“He’s one of the best first-fives in the world. Obviously growing up around him, I learnt a lot from him, ” says Armstrong- Ravula.

Having made his Turbos debut against Taranaki this year, Armstrong-Ravula say his first season of NPC has been a great learning experience highlighted by the win over Auckland.  

“It has been big year learning my craft on the field, but learning the off-field stuff as well, like recovery, nutrition, and mental skills. My notebook is full of notes and drawings of plays.

“The boys have welcomed me in from day one and just told me to be myself. Tima Fainga'anuku has taken me and Waqa under his wing. He’s been like a big brother to us and it’s been cool learning from him.”

Armstrong-Ravula and Nalaga will head into the Drua camp already knowing a few of the squad members after playing alongside them at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship.  

“That Fiji team was like a family. It was cool to be part of this brotherhood where everyone looked after each other on and off the field. The support from fans was unreal too. After the tournament, we got back home to Fiji at 3am and the airport was packed with supporters.”

Ultimately, Armstrong-Ravula wants to represent the Flying Fijians at a World Cup. 

Article added: Wednesday 04 October 2023