At just 19 years old, Ilisapeci Bari is proud to uphold her father’s sports legacy. This time, however, she is competing in rugby league as part of the Fiji Bulikula team for the Pacific Bowl Championship.
Bari is the daughter of Manasa Bari, a former national rugby star and member of the men’s rugby sevens team that clinched the Rugby World Cup sevens in 1997. Manasa was one of the first Fijian players to participate in Super Rugby, playing for the Highlanders and earning the nickname Black Pearl. In contrast to her father’s rugby union background, Bari plays in the front row for the Canterbury Bulldogs.
“I started playing rugby league in 2022,” she shared with SUNsports. “My grandmother and dad encouraged me to take up rugby league.” Bari expressed her desire to give back to her family in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of community support in her upbringing. “It takes a whole village to raise a child, so I’m trying to give back to them, and that’s my main goal.”
Despite the pressures of competing, Bari finds motivation in the support from her family, who cheer her on during matches. She also credits a higher power for her selection in the Bulikula team. “I began playing AFL (Australian Football League) back in Darwin, Australia. My parents initially didn’t allow me to play rugby until my dad finally gave in,” she explained. After playing for the Darwin Sisters, Bari was chosen to represent Fiji in 2022 and was subsequently scouted by the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney.
She noted her father’s excitement upon learning about her selection for the Bulikula team. “He never imagined one of his kids would represent Fiji, especially at such a young age,” she reflected. “He mentioned it was all part of God’s plan, and I encourage young girls to seize opportunities when they arise because they only come once in a lifetime.” Bari also has a familial connection to former Fiji Bati forward Eloni Vunakece.
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