The late Epi Kolinivala, founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, would have felt immense pride witnessing the rise of Ponipate Loganimasi. In 2021, it was Kolinivala who discovered Loganimasi during the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, where he was impressed by the young player from a local club, Bilibili. Soon after, Loganimasi transitioned to Suva to join Uluinakau, paving the way for his impressive rugby career.
Originating from Ono-i-Lau but raised in his mother’s village of Nabua in Savusavu, Loganimasi played a significant role in the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team, which won a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games this year. In addition, he earned selection for the Flying Fijians at the Pacific Nations Cup, making his Test debut against Japan and scoring two tries in the final.
Recently, Loganimasi signed a full-time contract with Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season. The 26-year-old expressed his gratitude, stating, “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 trust in him and looked forward to training with the team.
In his time with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team during the 2023/24 World Series, Loganimasi 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 at the Nawaka tournament, where he captained the Uluinakau team.
Loganimasi is versatile, excelling as an outside back in 15s rugby, and is eager to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson highlighted the significance of signing Loganimasi, noting, “It shows the quality of players that we’re signing. Loganimasi’s debut with the 15s team was unbelievable.” He added that, based on Loganimasi’s stellar performance in sevens rugby, he is expected to be a valuable addition to the club.
Loganimasi becomes the fifth Flying Fijian to be signed by Drua in this off-season, contributing to a robust recruitment strategy that has also brought in players such as Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.