The late founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, Epi Kolinivala, would have taken great pride in recent developments surrounding one of his proteges.
In 2021, Kolinivala introduced Ponipate Loganimasi, then playing for the local Bilibili club at the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, to the Uluinakau Babaas team. Recognizing his potential, Kolinivala encouraged Loganimasi to join Uluinakau, leading to a successful journey in rugby.
Loganimasi, originally from Ono-i-Lau but raised in his mother’s village of Nabua in Savusavu, has made waves in the rugby world. He was part of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that secured a silver medal at the recent Paris Olympic Games, and he made a significant impact in his Test debut for the Flying Fijians at the Pacific Nations Cup, scoring two tries against Japan.
In a significant professional move, Loganimasi signed a full-time contract with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season. The 26-year-old expressed his gratitude for this opportunity, acknowledging the dreams many young athletes in Fiji have of playing for the Drua, and he feels fortunate to be given this chance.
Loganimasi thanked the Drua management for their trust and eagerly anticipated starting training with the team. During his brief time with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in the 2023/24 World Series campaign, he scored an impressive 35 tries and participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament, playing for the Fiji Babaas.
He made his local competition debut last year, captaining the Uluinakau team at the Nawaka tournament. Adept in both sevens and fifteens rugby, Loganimasi expressed excitement about his upcoming Super Rugby Pacific debut.
Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson highlighted the significance of Loganimasi’s signing, noting the quality of players being recruited and commending Loganimasi’s remarkable performance in his debut with the 15s team. Jackson expressed confidence in Loganimasi’s abilities on the sevens circuit and anticipated a positive contribution from him to the club.
Loganimasi becomes the fifth Flying Fijian to join the Drua in this off-season, adding to an impressive roster that includes international players like Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.