THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will lose 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 signed contracts with Sale Sharks.
The Premiership Rugby club announced the deal on Monday night with the Flying Fijians duo signing two-year contracts.
This means that three exciting talents are set to depart the Drua with Joji Nasova also leaving at the end of the season to join English Premiership club Newcastle Red Bulls on a two-year deal.
Their departure signals the need for other players in the squad to step up and full the void. It also means that the Drua have the option of signing more players who are plying their trade overseas.
Both Canakaivata and Loganimasi expressed their excitement to join Sale Sharks with new opportunities for growth expected.
“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,” 27-year-old Loganimasi said.
29-year-old Canakaivata has set his gaze on going up against the big Viliame Mata.
“I’m excited about coming to play for a club like Sale Sharks in the Prem. It’s a great competition and a club with a lot of history and it’s a great opportunity for me to experience something different.
“I know some of the players from playing against them for Fiji. I can’t wait to play with Tom Curry because he’s one of the best players in the world in my position.
“I love the physical side of the game so I think I will suit the style of Sale Sharks.
“I know Bill Mata from the national team so I’m looking forward to playing against him.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson is excited to welcome the two to their club.
