The late Epi Kolinivala, founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, would have felt immense pride if he were alive today. In 2021, Kolinivala brought the Uluinakau Babaas team to the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, where he noticed young Ponipate Loganimasi playing for the local Bilibili club. Recognizing Loganimasi’s talent, Kolinivala encouraged him to move to Suva to join Uluinakau, setting him on a path to success.
Loganimasi, born in Nabua, Savusavu, but originally from Ono-i-Lau, was a key player on the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that secured a silver medal at this year’s Paris Olympic Games. Additionally, he made a notable debut for the Flying Fijians at the Pacific Nations Cup, scoring two tries against Japan in the final.
Recently, 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, saying, “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 thanked the Drua management for their faith in him and eagerly anticipates starting training with the team. Loganimasi had an impressive run with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team, scoring 35 tries during the 2023/24 World Series campaign before the Olympic Games. He participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, playing for the Fiji Babaas and first captaining the Uluinakau team during the Nawaka tournament last year.
Loganimasi, versatile in his playing style as an outside back in 15s rugby, is looking forward to making his debut in the Super Rugby Pacific. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson highlighted the significance of Loganimasi’s signing, stating, “I think it means a lot for the Drua; it shows the quality of players that we’re signing. Loganimasi’s debut with the 15s team was unbelievable.” Jackson emphasized that Loganimasi’s performance on the sevens circuit will make him a valuable addition to the club.
He is the fifth Flying Fijian signed by the Drua this off-season, adding to an impressive roster that includes international talents like Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.