The Fijian Drua has officially announced the signing of Flying Fijian 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 last Friday, marking his status as a dual 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 his debut match against Samoa, he played as a full-back, contributing significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory, which included scoring one try.
Last season, he competed in Super Rugby Pacific with the NSW Waratahs. Prior to that, he had a notable stint with Naitasiri in the Skipper Cup 2020, where he played first five-eighth and helped the team reach the grand final. Additionally, he has played for the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup and the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and was involved with the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.
Expressing his excitement about joining the Drua, Karawalevu stated that he looks forward to returning home and playing for his local team, emphasizing his eagerness to give his best on the field. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his home and is ready for this new chapter in his career.