The late founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, Epi Kolinivala, would have felt a sense of pride with the recent developments in the rugby career of Ponipate Loganimasi. Kolinivala, who took the Uluinakau Babaas team to the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu in 2021, recognized Loganimasi’s talent while he was playing for a local club, Bilibili. Following this, Loganimasi moved to Suva to join Uluinakau, marking the beginning of his promising rugby journey.
Born in Nabua, Savusavu, and hailing from Ono-i-Lau, Loganimasi represented the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that claimed a silver medal at the recent Paris Olympic Games. He also made his mark with the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup, where he scored two tries in his Test debut against Japan in the final.
In a significant career move, Loganimasi signed a full-time contract with Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season. Expressing his gratitude, the 26-year-old stated, “I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity… A lot of kids in Fiji dream about playing for the Drua team, and I am so blessed to be given the chance.” He expressed his eagerness to train with the team.
During his tenure with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in the 2023/24 World Series, Loganimasi showcased his skills by scoring an impressive 35 tries. He also participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament with the Fiji Babaas and captained the Uluinakau team at the Nawaka tournament last year.
Loganimasi, who is versatile and capable of playing as an outside back in 15s rugby, is enthusiastic about making his Super Rugby Pacific debut. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson praised Loganimasi’s signing, highlighting the quality of players the Drua is attracting. Jackson remarked on Loganimasi’s success in the sevens circuit, expressing confidence in his potential as an impactful addition to the team.
Loganimasi is the fifth Flying Fijian player to be signed by the Drua this off-season, continuing a strong recruitment strategy that has also welcomed international players like Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.