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 during the Pacific Nations Cup match against Samoa last Friday, marking his entry as a double international.
Karawalevu previously represented the Fiji Bati national rugby league team at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England when he was just 20 years old. In his debut match against Samoa, he played at full-back and scored a try, contributing significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory.
Last season, he appeared in Super Rugby Pacific with the NSW Waratahs. A former student of Marist Brothers High School, Karawalevu played as a first five-eighth for Naitasiri in the Skipper Cup 2020, leading the team to the grand final.
He also had stints with the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup, the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and was part of the Sydney Roosters setup in the National Rugby League.
Karawalevu, who can play both fullback and wing, expressed his excitement about joining the Drua and playing in front of passionate fans. He stated, “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.”