The late founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, Epi Kolinivala, would have felt immense pride reflecting on the recent achievements of his former player, Ponipate Loganimasi. In 2021, during the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, Kolinivala recognized Loganimasi’s potential while he was playing for a local team, Bilibili. Soon after, Loganimasi joined the Uluinakau team in Suva, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey in rugby.
Originating from Ono-i-Lau but raised in his mother’s village of Nabua in Savusavu, Loganimasi was a crucial member of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that clinched a silver medal at the recent Paris Olympic Games. Additionally, he made his debut for the Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup, where he scored twice against Japan in the final.
Yesterday, 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. 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 also expressed appreciation for the trust shown to him by the Drua management and eagerly anticipates the start of training.
During his time with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team, Loganimasi scored an impressive 35 tries in the 2023/24 World Series campaign before contributing to the Olympic silver. He also participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament with the Fiji Babaas and led the Uluinakau team at the Nawaka tournament last year.
Loganimasi, who excels as an outside back in 15s rugby, is excited about making his Super Rugby Pacific debut. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson commented on Loganimasi’s signing, noting its significance for the team and recognizing his exceptional performance in both sevens and 15s rugby. Loganimasi becomes 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.