Rugby Transfers: PREM side sign international duo as French stars on the move
Rugby Transfers: PREM side sign international duo as French stars on the move
Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of two Fijian internationals as they look to strengthen their PREM challenge ahead of next season.
Here are the latest rugby transfer reports:
Ponipate Loganimasi signs for Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of Fiji winger Ponipate Loganimasi on a two-year contract from next season. The 6ft 5in star has signed a two-year deal to join Alex Sanderson’s squad from Super Rugby Pacific side, Fijian Drua.
The 27-year-old won silver at the 2024 Olympic Games in France before switching to the 15-a-side game, making an immediate impact at international level, scoring two tries in the Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan in September 2024.
On the club scene, he made his debut for the Drua last season, scoring six tries in 12 games.
Looking forward to the move, Loganimasi 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 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.”
Elia Canakaivata signs for Sale Sharks
Also joining Sale Sharks in the summer will be back-rower Elia Canakaivata, who will arrive from Fijian Drua, where he has played since 2023.
The powerful flanker/number eight made his breakthrough on the international stage in Dubai in 2021 with the Fiji Sevens team, where he went on to win multiple World Sevens Series titles and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.
He made the transition to the 15-a-side game and had such an impact that he earned Fiji’s Players’ Player of the Year award in 2025.
Elia said: “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.”
Sanderson said: “Elia does a lot of work that maybe goes under the radar. He has fewer Hollywood moments but he’s a serious player on both sides of the ball.
“He loves tackling and using his physicality in defence, but he’s a really good ball carrier too. Because he came through the Sevens circuit, his work-rate is fantastic and I think he’ll make a really big impact here.
“His wife and Ponipate’s wife are good friends and they’re coming as two families to support each other on and off the field.”
Sharks beat SA rivals to Bongi Mbonambi successor’s signature but lose Junior Springbok to Bulls
Dimitri Delibes to exit Toulouse
The highly sought-after Toulouse winger is set to exit the club in the summer, according to Midi Olympique, after attracting the attention of several Top 14 clubs.
His contract is set to expire in June, and he has reportedly visited the facilities of both Bayonne and Toulon ahead of a potential switch.
Both Toulon and Bayonne are still awaiting Delibes’ response, who has reportedly requested several additional days to consider his decision. While he assesses his options, it has been reported that Top 14 rivals Montpellier have also entered the race to sign the 26-year-old.
Meanwhile, teammate Matthis Lebel, who it was suggested was also looking elsewhere, has reconfirmed his commitment to the club by signing a new deal.
Toma’akino Taufa to exit Bordeaux-Begles
According to Midi Olympique, 30-year-old Tongan international tighthead prop, Toma’akino Taufa, is expected to exit Bordeaux-Begles at the end of the season.
Having only made four substitute appearances this season and having not played since October, he is reportedly in advanced talks to join Biarritz Olympique next season.
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Since arriving at the club in 2024, Taufa has been limited to almost exclusively substitute appearances, so a move away could spell more gametime for the 22-stone prop.
Ben O’Donovan to Munster
Former New Zealand U20 international scrum-half Ben O’Donovan has joined Munster from Canterbury on an 18-month deal.
The 20-year-old appeared at the 2024 U20s World Championship, having come up through the ranks at Linwood Rugby Club in Christchurch.