The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will bid farewell to two more key players at the end of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Loose forward Elia Canakaivata and winger Ponipate Loganimasi have both signed two-year contracts with the Sale Sharks, a Premiership Rugby club that announced the agreements on Monday night.
Their transfers add to the ongoing transition within the Drua, as another standout player, Joji Nasova, is also set to leave and join the Newcastle Red Bulls in the English Premiership at the end of the season. The departures highlight the emerging need for other players in the Drua squad to rise to the occasion and fill the gaps left by these talented individuals. Additionally, this situation opens up opportunities for the Drua to recruit new talent from abroad.
Both Canakaivata and Loganimasi expressed their enthusiasm about joining Sale Sharks, eager to embrace the new challenges that lie ahead. Loganimasi, who is set to experience his first time playing outside Fiji, shared his anticipation for the opportunity to develop in a competitive environment. “I can’t wait to get to know the boys and become part of the team. I know some of the Sale players from the international games,” he said, highlighting his excitement about potentially playing alongside renowned players like George Ford.
Canakaivata, enjoying a similar excitement, mentioned his eagerness to face off against fellow Fijian player Viliame Mata, and to join a club with such a rich history in a prestigious competition. “It’s a great opportunity for me to experience something different,” he said, looking forward to playing with top players such as Tom Curry and embracing the physical style that Sale Sharks are known for.
The Sharks’ Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, expressed his excitement about welcoming Canakaivata and Loganimasi into their ranks, suggesting that their skills will be a valuable addition to the team. As these players make their transition, both clubs and fans can look forward to witnessing their growth and contributions in new environments.
Leave a comment