At just 19 years old, Ilisapeci Bari proudly embraces her father’s legacy in sports. However, her path diverges from rugby union to rugby league as she plays for the Fiji Bulikula team in the Pacific Bowl Championship.
Bari is the daughter of Manasa Bari, a former national rugby star and winger known for his contributions to the men’s rugby sevens team that clinched the Rugby World Cup sevens in 1997. Manasa, who played with the Highlanders, is celebrated as one of the first Fijian players to participate in Super Rugby, earning him the nickname “Black Pearl.”
Hailing from Tavualevu, Ilisapeci plays in the front row for the Canterbury Bulldogs. She began her journey in rugby league in 2022, inspired by encouragement from her grandmother and father.
“I started playing rugby league back in 2022,” Bari shared with SUNsports. “My grandmother and dad encouraged me to play.”
Bari expresses a desire to give back to her family in Fiji, emphasizing the communal effort in her upbringing. “It takes a whole village to raise a child, so I’m trying to give back to them, and that’s my main target,” she stated.
While acknowledging the pressure that comes with her role, Bari finds motivation in the support she receives from her family during games.
She also credits divine intervention for her selection to the Bulikula team. “I started off playing AFL (Australian Football League) back in Darwin, Australia. My parents wouldn’t let me play rugby until my dad finally agreed,” she explained. “I played for the Darwin sisters and then was selected to represent Fiji in 2022. After that, I got scouted to play for the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney.”
Bari noted her father’s delight upon hearing about her selection for the Bulikula team. “He never thought that one of his kids would represent Fiji, especially at a young age. He said it was all in God’s plan, and I urge young girls out there to take their opportunities with both hands because it only comes once in a lifetime.”
Additionally, Bari is related to former Fiji Bati player Eloni Vunakece.