Olympic silver medallist set to leave Fiji for Sale Sharks in the Prem

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 was originally a Sevens player, winning a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in France before switching to the 15-a-side game.

Ponipate will join Alex Sanderson’s squad from the Fijian Drua on a two-year deal after impressing at this club last season as he scored six tries in 12 games.

He has impressed at international level too after making his debut in September 2024, with a standout performance against Japan in the final of the Pacific Nations Cup as he scored two tries. He’s since won a further seven caps.

Gallagher Prem defences may be worried about the prospect of coming up against this Fijian talent not just for the pace and skill he will bring to Sale but also his power as he stands at 6ft 5in and weighs in at over 90kg.

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.”

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.”