Young hooker Sairusi Ravudi will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua tomorrow at Four R Stadium in Ba after being promoted to the starting XV when regular hooker Zuriel Togiatama was sidelined by illness. The late change hands the front-row duties to the 20-something prospect and marks a significant milestone in Ravudi’s rapid rise through the ranks.
Penaia Cakobau has been named to cover on the bench and will wear the number 16 jersey as the Drua prepare to face the ACT Brumbies. Head coach Glen Jackson confirmed the alteration to his match-day plans and singled out Ravudi’s preparedness for the step up, saying: “Sairusi has earned his chance with consistent hard work and a strong rugby brain.” Jackson’s endorsement underlines the coaching staff’s confidence in the youngster to cope with Super Rugby’s physical and tactical demands.
Ravudi’s selection is the latest chapter in a steady development pathway. He hails from Nakorovou, Dreketi in Rewa and maintains family ties to Nasukamai in Ra, grounding him in two of Fiji’s rugby-producing regions. His rugby education includes a stint at Rotorua Boys’ High School in New Zealand, a programme known for producing professional-calibre players, and representative appearances for both the Fiji Under-20 side and the New Zealand Fijian Secondary Schools team.
Those representative honours have given Ravudi exposure to different coaching environments and competitive levels, factors the Drua hope will serve him well against an experienced Brumbies pack. While this will be his first Super Rugby Pacific appearance, Ravudi has been integrated into the squad’s training group and earned the start through consistent performances in preparation sessions, according to Jackson.
The enforced absence of Togiatama — who had been in contention to contribute off the bench — has created an opportunity for the Drua to test their depth in a critical positional role. Cakobau’s presence on the bench offers an experienced contingency, but tomorrow will be the first meaningful in-game test of Ravudi’s readiness to perform under Super Rugby pressure.
Ravudi’s promotion follows a broader pattern this season of Fijian players being blooded at higher levels, including recent debutants across Fiji’s representative sides. For Ravudi personally, a strong showing at Four R Stadium could fast-track further selections and continue his upward trajectory from school and age-grade rugby to the professional stage. The match against the Brumbies will now double as a debut and audition for the young hooker as the Drua chase momentum in the Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
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