The late Epi Kolinivala, founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, would have felt immense pride if he were alive today. In 2021, Kolinivala discovered a promising young talent, Ponipate Loganimasi, during the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, where Loganimasi was playing for the local club Bilibili. Recognizing his potential, Kolinivala encouraged Loganimasi to move to Suva and join Uluinakau.
Loganimasi, originally from Ono-i-Lau but raised in his mother’s village of Nabua in Savusavu, recently achieved significant milestones. He was a key member of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team, which earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games this year. Additionally, he made his mark with the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup, scoring two tries in his Test debut against Japan in the final.
In a notable development, Loganimasi has signed a full-time contract with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the forthcoming Super Rugby Pacific season. The 26-year-old expressed gratitude, stating, “I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity. I know it’s not a small opportunity; it is a big one. I feel blessed to be given the chance,” and he thanked the Drua management for their confidence in him.
Loganimasi is eager to begin training with the Drua. He enjoyed a successful run with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team, scoring 35 tries during the 2023/24 World Series and participating in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens as part of the Fiji Babaas team. He made his local competition debut at the Nawaka tournament last year, where he captained the Uluinakau team.
Equally skilled in outside back roles in 15s rugby, Loganimasi is looking forward to his Super Rugby Pacific debut. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson emphasized the significance of signing quality players like Loganimasi, noting his impressive debut with the 15s team and his incredible performance on the sevens circuit. Loganimasi becomes the fifth Flying Fijian signed by the Drua this off-season, joining a strong recruitment effort that includes international players such as Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.