The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has officially signed Fijian 7s star and Paris Olympics Silver Medalist Ponipate Loganimasi to a full-time contract. The speedy athlete will join his teammates from the Paris Olympics, Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, in the Drua Men’s squad as they prepare for the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
At just 26 years old, Loganimasi made an impressive debut for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, scoring two tries in the Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan. He joined the Flying Fijians following an injury sustained by Ravutaumada in the tournament’s first round.
Loganimasi, who hails from Ono-i-Lau with familial ties to Nabua in Savusavu, had a stellar performance in the 2023-24 World Series campaign, scoring 35 tries for the Fijian 7s team and contributing to their silver medal win at the Paris Olympics. He also showcased his skills at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens while playing for the Fiji Babaas team. His local debut came last year at the Nawaka 7s, where he captained the Kombat Uluinakau team.
Expressing his excitement to join Fijian Drua, Loganimasi said, “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 extended gratitude to the Drua management for their trust in him, saying, “I can’t wait to start training with the boys.”
Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson praised the significance of Loganimasi’s 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 15s 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.”
Loganimasi is the fifth Flying Fijian to be signed by the Drua during this off-season, adding to an impressive recruitment strategy that has already brought in international players such as Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.