The Fijian Drua has officially announced the signing of Flying Fijian utility back Vuate Karawalevu to a full-time contract. The 23-year-old made his international debut for the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup match against Samoa last Friday night, marking his entry 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 just 20 years old. In the match against Samoa, he played as a full-back, contributing significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory by scoring a try.
Last season, Karawalevu participated in Super Rugby Pacific with the NSW Waratahs and has a background in rugby union, having played first five-eighth for Naitasiri in the 2020 Skipper Cup competition, where they reached the grand final. His league experience includes stints with the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup, the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and he has been involved with the Sydney Roosters organization in the NRL.
Karawalevu, skilled in both the fullback and wing positions, expressed his enthusiasm about returning home to join the Drua and play in front of their 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.”