The Fijian Drua has officially announced the signing of Flying Fijian utility back Vuate Karawalevu on a full-time contract. The 23-year-old recently made his debut for the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup match against Samoa, becoming a double international.
Karawalevu previously represented the Fiji Bati rugby league team in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup held in England, at just 20 years old. In his debut match against Samoa, he excelled at full-back, scoring one try and contributing to Fiji’s impressive 42-16 victory.
Last season, he played in Super Rugby Pacific with the NSW Waratahs and has a solid background with Naitasiri in the Skipper Cup, where he played first five-eighth and helped his team reach the grand final. His career also includes experience with the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup and the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, as well as involvement with the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.
Karawalevu expressed his excitement about returning home to join the Drua and playing in front of the 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.”