Drua star Selestino Ravutaumada said representing Fiji at the Rugby World Cup was a dream come true.

The 23-year-old, whose rise to the top of the rugby ladder has been lauded by both rugby critics and supporters, said he hoped to make his family and country proud.

“It has been a hell of a ride this year,” he said before departing for France at the Nadi International Airport yesterday.

“This truly has been a dream come true of mine.”

The Naselesele, Taveuni native is among 18 Drua players in the FIJI Water Flying Fijians squad.

He said while their Pacific Cup campaign was successful, he understood that the Rugby World Cup would be a different ball game altogether.

“The training has been a lot tougher than we thought but we know that this is for the World Cup and it will be a lot different from what we have experienced so far.”

He added he hoped their fans would also be behind the team when they take on Wales in Bordeaux on September 11.

“I thank our fans for their support so far and I hope that they will also show their support for the World Cup.”

Fiji will also face Australia, Georgia and Portugal in Pool C.