At just 19 years old, Ilisapeci Bari is proud to carry on her father’s sports legacy. This time, she is making her mark in rugby league as a member of the Fiji Bulikula team for the upcoming Pacific Bowl Championship.
Bari is the daughter of Manasa Bari, a former national rugby star known for his role as a winger. Manasa was part of the men’s rugby sevens team that clinched the Rugby World Cup sevens in 1997 and is recognized as one of the first Fijian players in Super Rugby, having 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, inspired by encouragement from her grandmother and father.
“I’m trying to give back to my family in Fiji,” she said, emphasizing her desire to honor those who supported her upbringing. “It takes a whole village to raise a child, so that’s my main target.”
Bari admitted the pressure can be intense, but she finds motivation in her family’s support during games. She also attributes her selection for the Bulikula team to a higher power.
“I started off playing AFL in Darwin, Australia. My parents wouldn’t allow me to play rugby until my dad finally agreed,” Bari reflected. After playing for the Darwin Sisters, she was selected for Fiji in 2022 and subsequently scouted by the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Her father was thrilled upon learning about her selection for the Bulikula team. “He never thought one of his kids would represent Fiji at such a young age,” she shared. He believes it was part of a divine plan, and she encourages young girls to seize their opportunities, stating, “It only comes once in a lifetime.”
Ilisapeci Bari is also related to former Fiji Bati forward Eloni Vunakece.