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 national team during the Pacific Nations Cup match against Samoa last Friday, marking his status as a double international.
Karawalevu previously represented the Fiji Bati team at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England when he was just 20 years old. In the recent game against Samoa, he played as a full-back, scored a try, and contributed significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory.
He has experience in last season’s Super Rugby Pacific, playing for the NSW Waratahs. The former Marist Brothers High School student played first five-eighth for Naitasiri in the 2020 Skipper Cup, helping them reach the grand final.
His background also includes stints with the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup, the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and involvement with the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League.
Karawalevu, who can play as a fullback or on the wing, expressed his excitement about joining the Drua and playing for his home team: “I’m 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. I’m ready for this new chapter and grateful for the opportunity to represent where I come from.”