Sale Sharks to sign Loganimasi

 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, who play in Super Rugby.

Originally a Sevens player, Ponipate won silver at the 2024 Olympic Games in France before switching to the 15-a-side game.

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.”

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.”