The Fijian Drua has officially announced the signing of Vuate Karawalevu, a utility back, on a full-time contract. At just 23 years old, Karawalevu recently made his debut for the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup match against Samoa, marking his status 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 only 20. In the match against Samoa, he played as a full-back, scoring a try and contributing significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory.
He played in the previous season of Super Rugby Pacific for the NSW Waratahs. The talented athlete, a former student of Marist Brothers High School, played as first five-eighth for Naitasiri in the 2020 Skipper Cup, helping the team reach the grand final. Subsequently, he joined the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup and the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and he has been involved with the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League.
Karawalevu expressed his enthusiasm about returning home to join the Drua and representing his team in front of the passionate fans. He stated, “I’m 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. I’m ready for this new chapter and grateful for the opportunity to represent where I come from.”