At just 19 years old, Ilisapeci Bari is proud to uphold her father’s sporting legacy. This time, she represents the Fiji Bulikula team in the Pacific Bowl Championship, shifting her focus from rugby union to rugby league.
Bari is the daughter of the legendary Manasa Bari, a former national rugby star who played as a winger. He was part of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that clinched the Rugby World Cup sevens title in 1997 and was among the first Fijians to play in Super Rugby for the Highlanders, where he earned the nickname Black Pearl.
Though her father made his mark in rugby union, Ilisapeci has taken on a different path, playing in the front row for the Canterbury Bulldogs. “I started playing rugby league in 2022,” she stated in an interview with SUNsports. “My grandmother and dad encouraged me to pursue rugby league.”
Bari feels a strong commitment to giving back to her family in Fiji, noting, “It takes a whole village to raise a child, so I’m trying to give back to them, and that’s my main target.” She expressed that the pressure of the sport is alleviated by the support she receives from her family, which fuels her motivation on the field.
In discussing her selection for the Bulikula team, Bari attributed her opportunity to divine intervention. “I initially played AFL (Australian Football League) in Darwin, Australia, but my parents were hesitant about me playing rugby until my dad finally agreed,” she shared. “After playing for the Darwin sisters, I was selected to play for Fiji in 2022, and then I got scouted by the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney.”
Bari recalled her father’s excited reaction to her selection for the Bulikula team, emphasizing that he never imagined one of his children would represent Fiji at such a young age. “He said it was all in God’s plan, and I encourage young girls to seize opportunities like this because they only come once in a lifetime.”
Additionally, Bari has a connection to former Fiji Bati forward Eloni Vunakece, showcasing the proud sporting heritage in her family.
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