The Fijian Drua has officially announced the signing of 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, marking his entry into international rugby.
Karawalevu previously represented the Fiji Bati 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, scoring a try and contributing significantly to Fiji’s 42-16 victory.
Last season, he appeared in Super Rugby Pacific with the NSW Waratahs. Karawalevu’s rugby journey began at Marist Brothers High School, where he played first five-eighth for Naitasiri in the 2020 Skipper Cup competition, helping the team reach the finals.
He has also played for the Kaiviti Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup, the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup, and has been part of the Sydney Roosters’ system in the NRL.
Excited about returning to his roots, Karawalevu expressed his eagerness to join the Drua and represent his community. 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. Ready for this new chapter and grateful for the opportunity to represent where I come from.”