The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has officially signed Fijian 7s star and silver medalist from the Paris Olympics, Ponipate Loganimasi, on a full-time contract. The speedy player will join his former Olympic teammates Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada in the Drua Men’s squad for the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
Loganimasi, 26, made a significant impact during his debut for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians by scoring two tries in the Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan. He was brought onto the Flying Fijians roster following Ravutaumada’s injury in the first round of the tournament.
Hailing from Ono-i-Lau and with family links to Nabua in Savusavu, Loganimasi recorded an impressive total of 35 tries during his short time with the Fijian 7s team throughout the 2023-24 World Series, culminating in a silver medal win at the Olympics. He also participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament with the Fiji Babaas team and first appeared in local competitions at the Nawaka 7s last year as captain of the Kombat Uluinakau team.
Excited about joining the Fijian Drua, Loganimasi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging its significance: “I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity. I know it’s not a small opportunity, it is a big one. I know a lot of kids in Fiji dream about playing for the Drua team and I am so blessed to be given the chance.” He also thanked the Drua management for their trust and expressed eagerness to start training.
Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson commented on the signing, stating, “I think it means a lot for Fijian Drua, it shows the quality of players that we’re signing. Loganimasi’s debut with the 15’s team was unbelievable.” He further noted Loganimasi’s strong performance on the sevens circuit and anticipates that he will be a valuable addition to the team.
Loganimasi is the fifth Flying Fijian the Drua has secured during this off-season, contributing to a strong recruitment drive that has previously included international players such as Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.