Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has expressed his unwavering support for young flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula after a tough outing in the second round of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season against the Waratahs on Friday night. At just 21 years old, Armstrong-Ravula faced challenges during the match, prompting Jackson to underline the significance of nurturing and supporting developing talent within the Drua organization.
“Isaiah is a young man. As a coach, I want to look after our young men and make sure they’re learning at the same time. He’s pretty down about the performance today,” Jackson remarked, showcasing his commitment to fostering an environment conducive to growth.
The coach also pointed out that the Drua squad is predominantly youthful, with both the fly-half and inside center positions occupied by players of the same age. “When you’ve got a 21-year-old at 10 and a 21-year-old at 12, that’s what the Drua is. We’ve got young men,” Jackson stated, emphasizing the team’s strategy of entrusting significant responsibilities to young athletes.
The focus moving forward, he clarified, will be on providing guidance rather than criticism, as the club seeks to enhance experience among its youthful lineup. Jackson’s comments underscore the franchise’s long-term development philosophy, which empowers young players to step into vital roles, gearing them for the rigors of Super Rugby competition.
Looking ahead, the Fijian Drua is set to face the Hurricanes this Saturday at 3.35 pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka, with fans able to catch the action live on FBC Sports through the Walesi set-top box. This match presents an opportunity for Armstrong-Ravula and his teammates to bounce back and gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.
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