The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has announced the signing of Ponipate Loganimasi, a Fijian 7s star and silver medalist from the Paris Olympics, on a full-time contract. The swift athlete will be joining his teammates from the Paris Olympics, Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, in the Drua Men’s squad for the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
The 26-year-old made a significant impact during his debut for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, scoring two tries in the Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan. Loganimasi entered the Flying Fijians after Ravutaumada was injured in the tournament’s first round.
Originating from Ono-i-Lau with family ties to Nabua in Savusavu, Loganimasi made headlines by scoring an impressive 35 tries while playing for the Fijian 7s team during the 2023-24 World Series campaign, culminating in a silver medal performance at the Paris Olympics. He also participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament with the Fiji Babaas team and first appeared in the local competition at the Nawaka 7s last year as the captain of the Kombat Uluinakau team.
Expressing his excitement about joining the Fijian Drua, Loganimasi stated, “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 expressed gratitude to the Drua management for their trust.
Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson commented on the signing, noting its significance for the team and recognizing the exceptional talent that Loganimasi brings, especially highlighting his remarkable debut with the 15s team and his prowess on the sevens circuit. Loganimasi is the fifth Flying Fijian recruited by the Drua this off-season, following the earlier signings of notable internationals such as Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.