As Fiji Rugby casts its search far and wide in its bid to build depth at five eight, a young 17 year old embarks on a journey of self discovery.

A gifted talent and blessed with a DNA that will surely attract attention sooner rather than later.

“it is my dream to represent Fiji and my Fijian heritage which I’m proud of“

Isaiah Armstrong Ravula is a young fly half for St Andrew’s College in New Zealand that’s slowly turning heads and has been scouted for his ability to command and take control of the game. He is a symbol of the exciting crop of talent that Fiji Rugby needs to tap into at this early age and groom for the future.

It’s a position we lack depth in; with our pool of talent back on the islands still in its early development stages both on and off the field. For a position that requires intricate work over a period of time, Isaiah keeps himself grounded with strong work ethics, and an attitude to want to get better each day.

The young fly half with paternal links to Moce , Lau has been selected in the Hurricanes U20 academy for 2022 and has signed with Manawatu Turbos for 2022 also.

Playing rugby from an early age of eight, Isaiah is mentored by his father and has a prolific uncle that he looks for inspiration and drives him to want to be better. It’s a name that we are too familiar with when you talk about the All Blacks …Richie Mounga. Ravula’s mother is the older sibling of the All Black superstar who has Tongan and Samoan heritage. This makes the young fly half eligible for Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

I had the privilege to ask the young talent where his alliance lies and he is quick to reply “it is my dream to represent Fiji and my Fijian heritage which I’m proud of .. I am turning 18 next year and have set my goals for RWC 2027 … we would travel back to the islands regularly to my relatives in Lautoka and take old jerseys and football boots for the local clubs and villagers. It has a special meaning to me and my family.”

The young talent will join the Hurricanes Academy and play for selection in the Under 20 team .

For those who have been privileged to watch him play in NZ Secondary Schools rugby, you will know he is a talent waiting to be unlocked.

And his rise to elite football will come sooner rather than later. This is one Fiji Rugby must pull all stops and engage with through our U18 or U20 programs for 2022.

Samoa and Tonga rugby will also be monitoring this young talent and not forgetting the All Blacks who are well aware of the family line he comes from.

Originally posted in the Fiji Rugby Players Forum.

Join in the conversation

Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know what you think of the future of the fly half position.