At just 19 years old, Ilisapeci Bari takes pride in carrying on her father’s sports legacy. This time, she is part of the Fiji Bulikula team participating in the Pacific Bowl Championship, marking her venture into rugby league rather than rugby union.
Ilisapeci is the daughter of renowned former national rugby star Manasa Bari, who was a key player on the men’s rugby sevens team that clinched the Rugby World Cup in 1997. As one of the pioneering Fijian athletes to compete in Super Rugby, Manasa played for the Highlanders and earned the nickname Black Pearl.
Currently, Bari plays in the front row for the Canterbury Bulldogs. She began her rugby league journey in 2022, encouraged by her grandmother and father. Bari expressed her desire to give back to her family in Fiji, stating, “It takes a whole village to raise a child, so I’m trying to give back to them, and that’s my main target.”
Despite the pressures of the sport, she feels motivated by the support and cheers from her family during games. Bari believes that her selection for the Bulikula team is a result of divine intervention. She started playing Australian Football League (AFL) in Darwin, Australia, before transitioning to rugby after her father eventually agreed.
After playing for the Darwin Sisters, she was selected for Fiji in 2022 and subsequently scouted to join the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney. Ilisapeci noted that her father was thrilled upon hearing about her nomination for the Bulikula team. He remarked that he never imagined one of his children would represent Fiji at such a young age, attributing it to God’s plan.
She encourages young girls to seize opportunities as they arise, reminding them that such chances may only come once in a lifetime. Bari also has a connection to former Fiji Bati forward Eloni Vunakece.
Leave a comment