The Fijian Drua has officially announced the signing of utility back Vuate Karawalevu on a full-time contract. The 23-year-old made his debut for the Flying Fijians last Friday during the Pacific Nations Cup match against Samoa, marking his status as a dual international.
Karawalevu previously represented the Fiji Bati at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England when he was just 20 years old. In the game against Samoa, he played as a full-back, scored a try, and made key contributions to Fiji’s impressive 42-16 victory.
Last season, he participated in Super Rugby Pacific with the NSW Waratahs. Karawalevu is a former student of Marist Brothers High School and played as a first five-eighth for Naitasiri during the 2020 Skipper Cup season, helping the team reach the grand final.
His rugby journey includes stints with the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup, the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and he has also been part of the Sydney Roosters organization in the National Rugby League.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the Drua, Karawalevu said he is looking forward to returning home and performing in front of passionate fans. He described the opportunity as an honor and is ready to commit fully on the field, acknowledging the significance of representing his home team.