The late Epi Kolinivala, founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, would have felt immense pride in the achievements of Ponipate Loganimasi if he were alive today. In 2021, Kolinivala identified Loganimasi’s talent while attending the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, where the young player was competing for the local Bilibili club. Recognizing Loganimasi’s potential, Kolinivala facilitated his move to Suva to join Uluinakau.
Loganimasi, originally from Ono-i-Lau but raised in his mother’s village of Nabua in Savusavu, recently made headlines as a member of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that earned a silver medal at the 2023 Paris Olympic Games. He also represented the Flying Fijians at the Pacific Nations Cup, scoring two tries during his Test debut against Japan.
In a significant 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 for this opportunity, recognizing its significance for aspiring young athletes in Fiji. He thanked the Drua management for their confidence in him and looked forward to beginning training with the team.
During the 2023/24 World Series campaign, Loganimasi impressed with 35 tries for the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team before his Olympic success. He has also participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament, playing for the Fiji Babaas, and captained Uluinakau at the Nawaka tournament last year.
Loganimasi, who is skilled in both outside back and 15s rugby, is eager to make his debut in the Super Rugby Pacific. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson commented on Loganimasi’s signing, emphasizing its importance to the team and the impressive caliber of players they are recruiting. Loganimasi becomes the fifth Flying Fijian to join the Drua this off-season, following the signings of notable internationals including Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.