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 match against Samoa, marking his status as a double international.
Karawalevu previously represented the Fiji Bati at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England when he was just 20 years old. In his recent match against Samoa, he played at full-back, scoring one try and contributing significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory.
Last season, he participated in the Super Rugby Pacific with the NSW Waratahs. A graduate of Marist Brothers High School, he played as a first five-eighth for Naitasiri in the 2020 Skipper Cup, where the team reached the grand final.
Karawalevu has also been a part of the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup, the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and has been involved with the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League.
Excited about returning home, he expressed his eagerness to join the Drua and play in front of passionate fans. “I feel 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. Ready for this new chapter and grateful for the opportunity to represent where I come from,” he stated.