Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has reiterated his strong belief in the club’s emerging talents, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Philip Baselala, during this Super Rugby Pacific season. At just 20 years old, both players have become instrumental in the team’s performance, with Jackson emphasizing their significance in the long-term vision of the organization.
According to Jackson, investing in the growth and development of young playmakers is crucial. “They’re the future of the club. It would be nice to say they’re the future of the club in six years’ time. That’s when a 9 and 10 actually hit their peak at 26 years old,” he stated, highlighting the importance of patience as the players gain experience.
This season, Armstrong-Ravula has taken the lead at fly-half and Baselala at halfback. Jackson acknowledged that while their youth may lead to mistakes, their potential is undeniable and holds promise for the future of the club. Furthermore, he praised captain Tevita Ikanivere for his leadership and stressed that anyone donning the Drua jersey must uphold high standards to ensure continual growth.
The Drua is currently on bye this week but will return to challenge the Reds in the final round of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season next week.
The optimism surrounding young players like Armstrong-Ravula and Baselala reflects a broader trend within Fijian rugby, where emerging talents are being trusted to fill vital roles, thus reshaping the competitive landscape. As Fijian rugby evolves, there is hope for a bright future not only for the Drua but for the sport as a whole in the region.
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