At just 19 years old, Ilisapeci Bari is proud to carry on her father’s sports legacy. This time, however, she is stepping onto the field not in rugby union but in rugby league, representing the Fiji Bulikula team at the Pacific Bowl Championship.
Ilisapeci is the daughter of Manasa Bari, a former national rugby star who was part of the men’s rugby sevens team that clinched the Rugby World Cup sevens title in 1997. Manasa was also one of the first Fijian players to compete in Super Rugby, playing for the Highlanders and earning the nickname “Black Pearl.”
Currently, Bari plays in the front row for the Canterbury Bulldogs. “I began my rugby league journey in 2022,” she shared with SUNsports. “My grandmother and dad encouraged me to pursue rugby league.”
Bari expressed her desire to give back to her family in Fiji, emphasizing, “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 pressure, she finds motivation in the support from her family, who cheer her on from the sidelines. Bari also credits divine intervention for her selection to the Bulikula team.
“I initially played AFL (Australian Football League) in Darwin, Australia. My parents were hesitant about allowing me to play rugby until my dad finally agreed,” she explained. “I started with the Darwin sisters and then was chosen to represent Fiji in 2022. Following that, I was scouted to join the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney.”
Bari noted that her father’s reaction to her Bulikula selection was one of joy. “He never imagined one of his children would represent Fiji at such a young age. He believes it’s all part of God’s plan, and I encourage young girls to seize their opportunities because they come once in a lifetime.”
Additionally, Bari is related to former Fiji Bati forward Eloni Vunakece.
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