The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has officially signed Fijian 7s star and Olympic silver medallist Ponipate Loganimasi on a full-time contract. The talented athlete will join his fellow Paris Olympics teammates Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada in the Drua Men’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
At 26 years old, Loganimasi made a significant impact during his debut for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, scoring two tries in the Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan. He was called up to the Flying Fijians after Ravutaumada suffered an injury in the tournament’s opening round.
Originating from Ono-i-Lau and with family ties to Nabua in Savusavu, Loganimasi had an impressive run, tallying 35 tries during his brief time with the Fijian 7s team in the 2023-24 World Series before earning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. He also participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament as part of the Fiji Babaas.
Loganimasi made his local competition debut at the Nawaka 7s last year, where he captained the Kombat Uluinakau team. He expressed excitement about joining the Fijian Drua and looks forward to making his Super Rugby Pacific debut. “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 said. He also expressed gratitude to the Drua management for their trust and enthusiasm to start training with the team.
Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson emphasized the importance of Loganimasi’s signing, highlighting the level of quality players the team is bringing on board. “Loganimasi’s debut with the 15’s team was unbelievable. We know how good he is on the sevens circuit, and I think he is going to be an extremely positive new recruit for our club,” Jackson stated.
Loganimasi is the fifth Flying Fijian acquired by the Drua during this off-season, following other notable signings such as Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.