The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has officially signed Fijian 7s star Ponipate Loganimasi, a Paris Olympics silver medalist, on a full-time contract. The talented athlete will now join his Paris Olympic teammates Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada in the Drua Men’s squad for the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 26-year-old Loganimasi made a significant impact in his debut for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, scoring two tries in the final of the Pacific Nations Cup against Japan. He stepped in to join the Flying Fijians after Ravutaumada suffered an injury during the tournament’s first round.
Hailing from Ono-i-Lau, with family ties to Nabua in Savusavu, Loganimasi showcased his skills by scoring an impressive 35 tries during his time with the Fijian 7’s team in the 2023-24 World Series campaign, culminating in a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. He also participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament with the Fiji Babaas team and made his debut in the local competition at the Nawaka 7s last year, where he captained 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 a big one, and many kids in Fiji dream about playing for the Drua team. I feel blessed to be given this chance.” He also expressed gratitude to the Drua management for their trust and looked forward to training with his new teammates.
Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson remarked on the significance of signing Loganimasi, emphasizing the talent being brought into the team. He noted, “Loganimasi’s debut with the 15’s team was unbelievable, and we know how good he is on the sevens circuit. I believe he will be an extremely positive addition to our club.”
Loganimasi is the fifth Flying Fijian to be signed by the Drua this off-season, as the team continues its strong recruitment efforts, which also include notable players such as Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.