At just 19 years old, Ilisapeci Bari is proud to carry on her father’s legacy in sports. This time, she is making her mark not in rugby union but in rugby league as a member of the Fiji Bulikula team competing in the Pacific Bowl Championship.
Bari is the daughter of former national rugby star Manasa Bari, a key player on the men’s rugby sevens team that clinched the Rugby World Cup sevens title in 1997. Manasa also made history as one of the first Fijian athletes to compete in Super Rugby, playing for the Highlanders and earning the nickname Black Pearl.
Contrary to her father’s background, Ilisapeci plays in the front row for the Canterbury Bulldogs. She shared her journey with SUNsports, saying, “I started playing rugby league back in 2022. My grandmother and dad encouraged me to pursue rugby league.”
Bari emphasized 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 goal. It is a lot of pressure, but having my family’s support on the field and hearing them cheer me on motivates me.”
She also attributed her selection for the Bulikula team to divine guidance. “I began my sports journey playing AFL (Australian Football League) in Darwin, Australia. My parents were hesitant about me playing rugby until my dad finally agreed,” she recalled. “I played for the Darwin sisters and was selected to represent Fiji in 2022. Later, I was scouted by the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney.”
Bari revealed that her father was excited about her selection for the Bulikula team. “He never expected one of his children to represent Fiji, especially at such a young age. He said it was all part of God’s plan. I encourage young girls to seize their opportunities because they come only once in a lifetime.”
Additionally, Bari is related to former Fiji Bati forward Eloni Vunakece.
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