The Fijian Drua has officially announced the signing of Flying Fijian utility back Vuate Karawalevu on a full-time contract. The 23-year-old made his debut for the Flying Fijians in their recent Pacific Nations Cup match against Samoa, marking him as a dual international.
Karawalevu previously represented the Fiji Bati at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England at just 20 years old. In his debut against Samoa, he played as a full-back, scoring a try and contributing significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory.
He previously participated in last season’s Super Rugby Pacific with the NSW Waratahs. A former student of Marist Brothers High School, he played as first five-eighth for Naitasiri in the 2020 Skipper Cup, where the team reached the grand final. His career also includes stints with the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup and the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, as well as involvement with the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.
Karawalevu, skilled in both fullback and wing positions, expressed his excitement about joining Drua, stating, “Feeling incredibly excited and blessed to join this new club. It’s an honour to play for my home team, and I can’t wait to give it my all on the field. Ready for this new chapter and grateful for the opportunity to represent where I come from.”