The late Epi Kolinivala, founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, would have felt immense pride watching the journey of Ponipate Loganimasi. Back in 2021, Kolinivala had brought the Uluinakau Babaas team to the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, where he identified Loganimasi’s potential while he was playing for a local club, Bilibili. Soon after, Loganimasi made the transition to Suva to join Uluinakau, marking the beginning of an impressive career.
Loganimasi, originally from Ono-i-Lau and raised in his mother’s village of Nabua in Savusavu, was part of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that clinched a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games this year. He also made waves by scoring two tries during his Test debut for the Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup against Japan.
In a recent development, Loganimasi signed a full-time contract with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season. The 26-year-old expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity. I know it’s not a small opportunity; it is a big one. I know a lot of kids in Fiji dream about playing for the Drua team, and I am so blessed to be given the chance.”
He conveyed his appreciation to the Drua management for their faith in him and expressed eagerness to start training with the team. Loganimasi had an impressive run with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team, scoring 35 tries in the 2023/24 World Series before earning silver at the Olympics.
Additionally, he participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament, representing the Fiji Babaas. He made his local competition debut by captaining the Uluinakau team at the Nawaka tournament last year. With skills as an outside back in 15s rugby, Loganimasi is looking forward to making his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson emphasized the significance of signing Loganimasi, stating, “It shows the quality of players that we’re signing. His debut with the 15s team was unbelievable.” Jackson added that Loganimasi’s prowess on the sevens circuit positions him as a valuable asset for the club.
Loganimasi is the fifth Flying Fijian to join the Drua this offseason, following the recruitment of notable internationals such as Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.