Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula has taken Super Rugby Pacific by storm this season, and while the young playmaker is firmly focused on finishing the season with Fijian side Drua, the 20-year-old has signaled his intention to move beyond the codes in the future.
Armstrong Ravula, the nephew of former All Black and serial Super Rugby champion Richie Mo'unga, made his debut for Drua in the round one defeat to the Blues but continued to impress in an eye-catching 11 appearances.
Last time out against the Queensland Reds in Suva, Armstrong Ravula denied the visitors a potential bonus point from an 82nd-minute penalty.Second abbreviation Approximately one minute from the right touchline.
While the New Zealand-born flyhalf looks destined for a bright future either at Super Rugby Pacific level or perhaps beyond, the Fiji Under-20s representative is interested in following in the footsteps of some of the sport's giants down the track.
Armstrong Ravola went to school in Ipswich, Queensland, a large rugby league community. The 13-a-side game was “all I knew growing up” while his family members from New Zealand tried to convince him to pursue rugby union.
Although Armstrong-Ravola has done so, there is an itch that may need scratching in the NRL. Fijian pivot Drua is interested in joining the likes of Sonny Bill Williams and Brad Thorn as players jumping between the union and the league.
“I always love coming back to the league,” Armstrong Ravola said. Rugby Pass.
“I grew up and saw Sonny Bill (Williams), and guys like Brad Thrun, they did it. I always thought, 'Man, I'd like to do that, too.'
“It could mean not only family influence, but also what was successful at the time.
“If I was going to get on a better path through rugby league, I would love to be there but no. I would love to do both at the end of my career.
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“Absolutely, absolutely. I always talk about it with my dad. We watch all the NRL games, all the rugby union games in the northern hemisphere, the southern hemisphere.
But for now, the Fijian Drua side are still looking to secure their place in the Super Rugby Pacific qualifiers. They have one foot in the next phase, but with two games remaining in the regular season, the job is far from complete.
Drua, who currently sit in eighth place, are just two points ahead of promoted Western Force side, and defending champions Crusaders are not too far behind in 10th place.y. It will be a real battle to qualify for the top eight this season.
Following their win over the Reds, Drew's side are “raring to play” ahead of a semi-knockout clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin on Sunday ahead of a final round clash at home against the Melbourne Rebels.
“We were very happy with the weekend and it's very exciting going forward,” Armstrong Ravola said.
“It's a good buzz, good energy around the boys especially so we're excited to play and keep improving.
“It's crazy to see the players we're playing against. I remember watching (and) being a fan of all these players and now I look across and see Damian McKenzie and Rico Ioane. I was honestly pinching myself.
“Even playing with the boys I'm with now, I enjoy it a lot, and I try to have as much fun as possible.”
