Sairusi Ravudi is set to make what could be a memorable home debut for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua when the side faces the ACT Brumbies in a Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific fixture at 4R Electrical Govind Park in Ba tomorrow at 3.30pm. The young hooker, who joined the Drua on a development contract, has been named in a matchday squad and is in line to play his first minutes for the franchise on Fijian soil.
Ravudi said the opportunity to pull on a Drua jersey in Fiji carries deep personal meaning after growing up and playing rugby in New Zealand. “Personally it’s pretty special for me and my family. Obviously playing rugby growing up in New Zealand, finally getting the opportunity to come home and playing my first, not only my first but playing in Fiji as well is pretty special for me as a professional,” he said.
The 21-year-old described his rapid ascent from development player to potential debutant as a whirlwind. “It took a bit buzzy, everything just happened quite fast, especially coming to Fiji as a development player on a development contract. I just put my head down and went to work and I’m very grateful and blessed for this opportunity,” Ravudi said, adding that informing his parents about the possibility of a first appearance was a proud moment. “It took a couple of hours to sink in and then I finally told my parents.”
Tomorrow’s fixture will also mark a milestone for the Drua franchise: it is the team’s first ever Super Rugby match to be staged at 4R Electrical Govind Park. The move to Ba continues the club’s efforts to take top-level rugby more widely around Fiji, giving local supporters a chance to see Super Rugby action outside Suva and Lautoka venues.
While final team selections are typically confirmed only on match day, Ravudi’s inclusion in the squad signals the coaching staff’s willingness to blood young local talent in a high-profile contest against the Brumbies, one of Australia’s established Super Rugby outfits. The match will be broadcast live on FBC Sports and available via the walesi set top box.
If handed the ball tomorrow, Ravudi’s appearance would cap a swift and significant step in his development pathway — from a development contract to the bright lights of Super Rugby in front of family and countrymen. The Drua-Brumbies kick-off is at 3.30pm tomorrow in Ba.
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