The late Epi Kolinivala, the founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, would have felt immense pride if he were alive today. In 2021, during the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, Kolinivala witnessed the talent of young Ponipate Loganimasi, who was playing for the local club Bilibili. Recognizing Loganimasi’s potential, Kolinivala encouraged him to move to Suva to play for Uluinakau, setting him on a path to success.
Loganimasi originates from Ono-i-Lau but grew up in his mother’s village of Nabua in Savusavu. He was part of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games this year and made his test debut for the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup, where he scored two tries against Japan in the finals.
Recently, Loganimasi signed a full-time contract with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season. At 26, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging how significant it is for many young players in Fiji who aspire to join the Drua team. He thanked the Drua management for their trust and is eagerly awaiting the start of training with his new team.
During his tenure with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in the 2023/24 World Series, Loganimasi achieved an impressive record of 35 tries. He also participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament with the Fiji Babaas team and made his local competition debut at the Nawaka tournament last year as the captain of Uluinakau.
Equally skilled as an outside back in 15s rugby, Loganimasi looks forward to making his Super Rugby Pacific debut. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson emphasized the significance of Loganimasi’s signing, highlighting the caliber of players joining the team. He praised Loganimasi’s debut with the 15s squad and expressed confidence in his positive impact on the club.
Loganimasi is the fifth Flying Fijian to be signed by the Drua in this off-season, as the team continues to bolster its roster, having previously acquired notable international players like Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.