The Fijian Drua has officially announced the signing of Vuate Karawalevu, a versatile utility back, to a full-time contract. The 23-year-old made his debut for the Flying Fijians during their recent Pacific Nations Cup match against Samoa, marking him as a dual international.
Karawalevu previously represented the Fiji Bati rugby league team at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England when he was just 20. In the game against Samoa, he played at full-back, scoring one try and contributing significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory.
Last season, he was part of the Super Rugby Pacific competition with the NSW Waratahs. A graduate of Marist Brothers High School, Karawalevu played as a five-eighth for Naitasiri during the 2020 Skipper Cup, leading the team to the grand final.
He later joined the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup and the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and has been associated with the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League.
Expressing his excitement about joining the Drua, Karawalevu stated that he looks forward to playing for his home team and is eager to captivate fans: “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.”