The late Epi Kolinivala, founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, would have experienced immense pride if he were alive today. Back in 2021, Kolinivala brought the Uluinakau Babaas team to the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, where he discovered young talent Ponipate Loganimasi playing for the local club Bilibili. Recognizing Loganimasi’s potential, Kolinivala encouraged him to join Uluinakau in Suva, marking the beginning of Loganimasi’s promising rugby journey.
Originally from Ono-i-Lau, Loganimasi was raised in his mother’s village of Nabua in Savusavu. This year, he was part of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that captured a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games and later made his debut for the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup, scoring twice against Japan in the final.
Recently, Loganimasi signed a full-time contract with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season. “I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity,” the 26-year-old expressed. He acknowledged the significance of this chance, emphasizing that many children in Fiji aspire to play for Drua, and he feels fortunate to be given this opportunity.
Grateful for the support from Drua management, Loganimasi eagerly anticipates commencing training with the team. He showcased his remarkable talent by scoring 35 tries during his brief tenure with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in the 2023/24 World Series before winning silver in the Olympics. Additionally, he participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament with the Fiji Babaas and made his local competition debut at the Nawaka tournament last year while captaining the Uluinakau team.
Loganimasi, who is skilled in 15s rugby as an outside back, is looking forward to making his Super Rugby Pacific debut. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson expressed enthusiasm about Loganimasi’s signing, highlighting it as a testament to the caliber of players joining the team. Jackson noted Loganimasi’s impressive performance in sevens and his potential positive impact on the club.
Loganimasi’s signing marks the fifth Flying Fijian recruited by the Drua this off-season, as the club continues to enhance its lineup, previously securing international players such as Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.