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George Ford key to Flying Fijian's decision to sign for Sale Sharks
By Jon Newcombe
Sale Sharks have agreed a deal to sign Flying Fijian sensation Ponipate Loganimasi from the start of the 2026/27 season.
The 27-year-old winger, who stands at 6ft 5in and weighs in at over 90kg, has signed a two-year deal to join Alex Sanderson’s squad from the Fijian Drua.
Originally a Sevens player, Ponipate won silver at the 2024 Olympic Games in France before switching to the 15-a-side game.
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He made an impressive international bow in September 2024, scoring two tries in the Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan. He’s since won a further seven caps.
On the club scene, he made his debut for the Drua last season and went on to score six tries in 12 games.
Ponipate said: “I’m so excited about coming to Sale. It’ll be my first time outside Fiji and I’m looking forward to playing in a new competition to learn and develop my game.
“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. I’ve watched guys like George Ford – as a winger it will be brilliant to play with him.
“I’m excited to make this move and I know my family is looking forward to a new experience too.”
Sale Sharks have pressed for his signature despite their last Fijian signing, Waisea Nayacalevu, not working out.
Nayacalevu endured an injury-plagued time in Salford and left while still on contract in February last year, joining Ospreys on a short-term deal. He is currently playing in France with Stade Niçois (Nice).
Loganimasi is the third Paris Olympian to join a northern PREM club, after countryman Joji Nasova and Kiwi winger Fehi Fineanganofo penned deals with Newcastle Red Bulls.
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Poni is the very definition of a flying Fijian. He’s a dangerous runner and he has the ability ball in hand or when the ball is in the air to be a massive threat.
“His superpower is his speed and he wants the ball in his hands and that plays into where we want to evolve our attacking game. We want to play more and attack more, particularly in transition.
“On top of that, Poni is a great lad with a young family and I know he’ll be a great fit for us.”
