Fijian Drua flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula has signed a contract extension with the club, reportedly keeping him until the end of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. This move is a significant boost for both the Drua and Fijian rugby as they prepare for the Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
According to Fijivillage, Armstrong-Ravula has committed to two more seasons in the southern hemisphere’s premier rugby competition, though the Drua did not specify the exact duration in their official statement.
Armstrong-Ravula, much like his uncle Richie Mo’unga, a former Crusaders and All Blacks star, has showcased remarkable composure, skill, and rugby intelligence while competing against some of the world’s best teams in both Super Rugby and international matches.
Since making his debut for the Drua last season against the Blues in Whangarei, Armstrong-Ravula has become the club’s all-time leading point scorer. The No. 10 has guided the Drua to several memorable victories, including triumphs over the Chiefs and Crusaders.
Earlier this month, Armstrong-Ravula played a pivotal role in the Drua’s stunning win over the previously unbeaten Chiefs, contributing two conversions and three penalty goals at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne has described Armstrong-Ravula and fellow Drua flyhalf Caleb Muntz as “world-class” talents ahead of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup, making Armstrong-Ravula’s re-signing a major win for the club.
Expressing his gratitude, Armstrong-Ravula said, “I’m just really blessed and thankful to the coaches for giving me this opportunity in such a special club like the Drua. I’m very excited for the future.”
Armstrong-Ravula featured in three Tests for Fiji during last year’s November internationals, starting at fullback twice against Scotland and Spain, with the highlight being a try against Scotland at Murrayfield, despite Fiji’s heavy defeat.
In Super Rugby under new head coach Glen Jackson, Armstrong-Ravula has been locked in a healthy competition with Muntz for the starting flyhalf role. He started against the Hurricanes in round two and later returned to the First XV for key matches against the Chiefs and Brumbies, playing the full 80 minutes in each.
Even in the Drua’s narrow defeat to the NSW Waratahs earlier this season, Armstrong-Ravula stood out, directing the team effectively from flyhalf and later shifting to fullback.
With reports suggesting that Muntz is close to signing with Top 14 side Provence, Armstrong-Ravula’s contract extension becomes even more vital for the Drua’s future.
“This is a significant re-signing for the Fijian Drua as we believe Izzy has the potential to become a world-class player,” said Baden Stephenson, General Manager of Rugby at Fijian Drua.
“Izzy is remarkably mature for his age and works incredibly hard on his game. Few players in Super Rugby history have had such an impact, skill set, and temperament at this stage of their careers.
“We appreciate that he is grounded, grateful, embodies the club’s values, and is fully invested in every aspect of our organization.”
