“It’s an honour to play for my home team, and I can’t wait to give it my all on the field.”
New Fijian Drua recruit Vuate Karawalevu (right) during the Flying Fijians training session at the Fiji Airways ground in Nadi on August 28, 2024. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
It’s official! The Fijian Drua has confirmed signing-up Flying Fijian utility back Vuate Karawalevu on a full-time contract.
The 23-year-old made his debut for the Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) game against Samoa last Friday night, making him a double international.
He had represented the Fiji Bati (national rugby league) team at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England, at the age of 20.
Against Samoa, Karawalevu played at full-back, scoring one try and made other significant contributions in Fiji’s 42-16 win.
Karawalevu featured in last season’s Super Rugby Pacific for the NSW Waratahs.
The former Marist Brothers High School student played first five-eighth for Naitasiri during the Skipper Cup 2020 competition where they reached the grand-final.
He then joined the Kaiviti Silktails (Ron Massey Cup), North Sydney Bears (NSW Cup) and has been part of the Sydney Roosters set-up in the NRL (National Rugby League).
Karawalevu, who is equally adept at fullback and on the wing, said he is eager to return home, join the Drua and get in front of the world’s best fans: “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,” he said.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
