The late founder of the Kombat Uluinakau Rugby Club, Epi Kolinivala, would have felt immense pride if he were still alive. In 2021, Kolinivala took the Uluinakau Babaas team to the Gaunavou Sevens tournament in Savusavu, where he noticed a promising player named Ponipate Loganimasi competing for the local Bilibili club. Recognizing his talent, Kolinivala encouraged Loganimasi to join Uluinakau, paving the way for his future success.
Loganimasi, originally from Ono-i-Lau and raised in his mother’s village of Nabua, notably contributed to the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team, which secured a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games. He also represented the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup, scoring two tries on his Test debut against Japan in the final.
Recently, Loganimasi signed a full-time contract with Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season. The 26-year-old expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging it as a significant milestone that many young players in Fiji aspire to achieve. He thanked the Drua management for their faith in him and eagerly anticipates training with the team.
During his brief time with the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in the 2023/24 World Series, Loganimasi recorded an impressive 35 tries and participated in the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens tournament with the Fiji Babaas. He first made his mark in local competitions at the Nawaka tournament last year, where he captained the Uluinakau team.
Loganimasi, who can also play as an outside back in 15s rugby, looks forward to making his Super Rugby Pacific debut. Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson highlighted the significance of Loganimasi’s signing, noting it showcases the caliber of players the team is acquiring. Jackson praised Loganimasi’s outstanding debut with the 15s team and believes he will be a valuable addition to the club.
With Loganimasi’s signing, he becomes the fifth Flying Fijian to join the Drua this off-season, as the team continues to strengthen its lineup with notable international players, including Joseva Tamani, Peni Ravai, Inia Tabuavou, and Vuate Karawalevu.