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 during the Pacific Nations Cup against Samoa last Friday, marking his entry as a double international. Previously, Karawalevu represented the Fiji Bati at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England when he was just 20 years old.
In the match against Samoa, he played at full-back, scoring one try and contributing significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory. Last season, Karawalevu participated in 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 competition, where the team reached the grand final.
Karawalevu has also been involved with the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup, the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and has been part of the Sydney Roosters’ setup in the National Rugby League. Eager to join the Drua and connect with the passionate fans, he expressed his excitement, saying, “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.”