At just 19 years old, Ilisapeci Bari is proud to carry on her father’s legacy in the realm of sports. This time, however, she is focusing on rugby league instead of rugby union, as a member of the Fiji Bulikula team participating in the Pacific Bowl Championship.
Bari is the daughter of the renowned former national rugby star Manasa Bari, who was part of the men’s rugby sevens team that clinched the Rugby World Cup sevens title in 1997. He is also recognized as one of the first Fijian players to compete in Super Rugby, playing for the Highlanders and earning the nickname Black Pearl.
Based in Tavualevu, Bari plays in the front row for the Canterbury Bulldogs. She began her journey in rugby league in 2022, inspired by the encouragement of her grandmother and father.
“I am motivated to give back to my family in Fiji,” Bari shared. “It takes a whole village to raise a child, and I’m striving to repay them, which is my primary goal.”
Although she feels the weight of expectation, the support from her family fuels her passion. “Hearing my family cheer for me on the field motivates me immensely,” she noted.
Bari attributes her selection for the Bulikula team to divine guidance. “I initially played Australian Football League (AFL) in Darwin, Australia. My parents were initially hesitant about me playing rugby until my dad eventually allowed me to,” she explained. After playing for the Darwin sisters, she was chosen to represent Fiji in 2022 and was later scouted by the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney.
Her father was overjoyed upon learning of her selection for the Bulikula team. “He never imagined one of his children would represent Fiji at such a young age. He believes it was all part of God’s plan, and I encourage young girls to seize opportunities as they come, as they may never come again,” she said.
Bari is also related to former Fiji Bati forward Eloni Vunakece.
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