The six volcanic islands of Ono-i-Lau lie some 400 miles southeast of the main Fijian archipelago. These outposts, ringed by a barrier reef, are the furthest flung of the 110 inhabited islands which make up this beautiful, rugby-obsessed mosaic. There are no regular flights or commercial air routes to Ono-i-Lau. To travel to and from the capital city of Suva, it is common for locals to ride cargo ships, sometimes for days at a time.
Most recent estimates cite between 270 and 600 souls are clustered across the islands. In fact, you could fit the entire Ono-i-Lau population into the North Stand at the Corpacq Stadium and still have room to spare. And soon, a few of the residents might have reason to make that epic pilgrimage.
For one of their own will shortly be delving into the Shark Tank. Ponipate Loganimasi hails from Lovoni village on the largest of the Ono-i-Lau six. Here he was raised, farming and living off what the land could provide. From such idyllic yet modest beginnings, he standstoday an Olympic medallist, one of the southern hemisphere’s most exciting back-three talents, and a marquee addition to the Gallagher Prem.
Like so many Fijian icons, Loganimasi first rose to international prominence on the HSBC SVNS circuit. In a sport which places skills and fitness under the most intense microscope, the 27-year-old shone. His top-end speed, his rounded skillset, and his repeatability earned him a place in World Rugby’s dream team for 2024 and selection for the Fiji side to defend their Olympic crown in Paris. Though they fell to Antoine Dupont’s rampant France in the final, Loganimasi claimed a silver medal and some esteemed admirers.
Not long after Paris, Loganimasi took a phone call from a member of the Fijian high-performance staff. He thought he was in trouble, racking his brains for the kind of misdemeanour which might have landed him in the crosshairs. Rather, he was being called in to the XVs fold, asked to put those sevens traits to use in the mainstream format.
How that move has paid off. He won his first three caps in November 2024, then in his first year with the Fijian Drua, ran in six tries in a dozen Super Rugby Pacific matches. He was shifted from wing to full-back – perhaps with an eye on the national side’s depth at 15 – for much of Fiji’s victorious Pacific Nations Cup campaign, where he can provide competition to Joe Carpenter next season.
The aerial game, and the battle to gobble up the ‘crumbs’ it generates, has become a massive component of rugby since ‘escorting’ kick-chasers were outlawed. Here, Loganimasi excels, with his 6ft 5ins frame, explosive spring and dexterity. Sale lean on this aspect of play heavily. Only Saracens and Leicester kick more often from hand in this year’s Prem, with Sale averaging about 30 per game. The Sharks retain the second-most kicks in the league too.With a potential three-pronged aerial attack of Carpenter, Tom Roebuck and Loganimasi – plus George Ford to launch the bombardment – Sale can wield one of the most dominant back-three units in the English skies.
None of this is to denigrate Loganimasi’s mesmeric running game. The Sharks identity has, to some on the outside, been too much beast and not enough beauty. Al Sanderson would argue beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But there is an external perception Sale could do more to harness their flair in the wider channels.
Back home, fans call the Fijian ‘Longstride’, a nod to his telescopic limbs and blistering pace. As well as his six touchdowns, Loganimasi made 19 line breaks last year, close to two per game, putting him fourth in the Super Rugby standings. He scores tries in different ways; some, the product of sheer velocity, others more about powerful footwork and dynamism; more still the result of intelligent short kicking. His outrageous solo effort against the Chiefs last March was a work of art; running on to an overhit opposition chip 55m out, pirouetting past two tacklers then dropping the ball instinctively onto his right boot. On a greasy paddock, at full tilt, he cushioned the bobbling pill deftly with his instep and splashed down under the sticks.
Flitting north will present new challenges. Loganimasi has only played professional XVs for two years. He has never done so in this league, or even this hemisphere. There will be cultural, climactic and technical adjustments to make and the club culture will be vital to ease the transition. But as Sale tool up for a renewed assault on the title, this is a recruit which should quicken the pulses of all Sharks fans.
Sanderson has talked of blending northern grit and South African steel. Thanks to this gem from a tiny island on the other side of the world, he can soon add Fijian flair to the recipe.
