At the age of 19, Ilisapeci Bari is honoured to continue her father’s legacy in sports.

However, this time it’s not rugby union but rugby league as she is a member of the Fiji Bulikula team for the Pacific Bowl Championship.

Bari is the daughter of former national rugby star winger Manasa Bari. He was a member of the men’s rugby sevens team that won the Rugby World Cup sevens in 1997 and is among the first Fijian players to play in Super Rugby. Manasa played for the Highlanders and earned the nickname Black Pearl.

However, the Tavualevu lass plays in the front row for the Canterbury Bulldogs.

“I started playing rugby league back in 2022,” she told SUNsports.

“My grandmother and dad encouraged me to play rugby league.”

Bari said she was trying to give back to her family in Fiji.

“It takes a whole village to raise a child so I’m trying to give back to them and that’s my main target.

“It is a lot of pressure but having that support from the family on the field and hearing them cheer me on motivates me as well.”

Bari acknowledged divine intervention in her call-up to the Bulikula team.

“I started off playing AFL (Australian Football League) back in Darwin, Australia. My parents wouldn’t let me play rugby till dad finally gave in for me to play,” she said.

“I played for the Darwin sisters then I was selected to play for Fiji in 2022. Then I got scouted to play for Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney.”

Bari said her father was in a jovial mood when he got the message regarding her Bulikula selection.

“He never thought that one of his kids would be representing Fiji especially at a young age.

“He said it was all in God’s plan, and I urge young girls out there to take their opportunities with both hands because it only comes once in a lifetime.”

Bari is also related to former Fiji Bati forward Eloni Vunakece.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj