The late founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, Epi Kolinivala, would have undoubtedly felt a sense of pride if he were present today. In 2021, Kolinivala guided the Uluinakau Babaas team to the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, where he recognized young Ponipate Loganimasi’s potential while he played for a local club, Bilibili. This marked the beginning of Loganimasi’s journey as he soon transitioned to Suva to join Uluinakau.
Loganimasi, originally from Ono-i-Lau and raised in his mother’s village of Nabua in Savusavu, has made significant strides in his rugby career. He was part of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that earned a silver medal at the recent Paris Olympic Games. Additionally, he showcased his talent with the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup, notably scoring two tries in his Test debut against Japan.
In a significant development, Loganimasi recently 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 for this opportunity, acknowledging the dreams many children in Fiji have of playing for the Drua. He is eager to start training with the team and appreciates the trust the Drua management has placed in him.
During his brief tenure with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in the 2023/24 World Series, Loganimasi made an impressive mark by scoring 35 tries. He also participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament as part of the Fiji Babaas team and captained the Uluinakau team at the Nawaka tournament last year.
Loganimasi, capable of playing as an outside back in 15s rugby, is looking forward to making his Super Rugby Pacific debut. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson remarked on the significance of Loganimasi’s signing, highlighting the caliber of players the team is acquiring. Jackson noted Loganimasi’s remarkable performance in the sevens circuit and anticipates his positive impact on the club.
Loganimasi is the fifth Flying Fijian to join the Drua this off-season, following the recruitment of notable internationals including Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.