The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has officially signed Flying Fijians fullback Vuate Karawalevu on a full-time contract. Karawalevu, who is 23 years old, made his debut for the national 15s team in the Pacific Nations Cup opener against Samoa last Friday, where he scored a try in Fiji’s 42-16 victory.
In 2024, Karawalevu participated in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific with the NSW Waratahs. He has also represented Fiji in Rugby League, playing for the Fiji Bati during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
A former student of Marist Brothers High School, Karawalevu has played for 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 NRL.
Notably versatile, Karawalevu excels as both a fullback and a wing. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Fijian Drua, looking forward to competing in front of the passionate fans. “I am incredibly excited and blessed to join this new club! It’s an honor to play for my home team, and I can’t wait to give it my all on the field,” he stated. “I am ready for this new chapter and grateful for the opportunity to represent where I come from.”