Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Hooker, Sairusi Ravudi has extended his contract with the club until 2028.
Born in Taupo, New Zealand, Ravudi has strong Fijian ties through his mother’s side, hailing from Nakorovou, Dreketi in Rewa and Nasukamai, Nalawa in Ra.
The club says the rising star was among 12 development players named by the Drua this season and quickly made his mark.
They say he debuted for the senior side in Round 5 against the Brumbies in Ba, scoring his first try for the club in an impressive first appearance.Drua says he has gone on to feature in three matches for the Drua.
Speaking on his contract extension, Ravudi says he is truly grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to sign full-time with the Drua.
Ravudi says growing up and playing rugby in New Zealand, and being able to return home to Fiji means so much to me.
He says it’s especially meaningful knowing his family can now watch him play here and there is no other place he would rather be as he continues to grow his game, and he is looking forward to what the future holds.
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby, Baden Stephenson, praised Ravudi’s rapid rise within the Club.
He says he made an immediate impact when he joined the Development Squad earlier this year and performed strongly in the Drua A curtain-raiser matches and earned his Super Rugby debut with an outstanding display against the Brumbies in Ba.
Stephenson says extending and upgrading his contract was an easy decision, he is highly professional, fits their style of play, possesses outstanding character, and has an exciting future ahead with the club.
Fans can expect a thrilling match day as the Fijian Drua women's team will play the Waratahs first at 1pm before the main game.
The Drua will play the Waratahs this Saturday t 4.35pm at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
In other matches the Chiefs will face the Highlanders at 7:05pm Friday,the Blues will take on the Hurricanes at 7:05pm, and the Force will meet the Reds at 9:35pm.
