Utah Warriors Rugby Adds Two Teams, Merge with Famed Highland Team

SANDY, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Utah Warriors, the first professional rugby team in Utah, announced their expansion into two additional leagues, as well as taking over coaching and management of the Highland High School rugby teams at the end of the 2011 season.

“Our goal is to be able to support Utah rugby from rookie rugby and the youth programs, all the way to the U.S. Eagles”

In addition to the current Utah Warriors team in the Rugby Super League (RSL), the Warriors franchise will expand into the following teams:

Division 1 - Due to the overwhelming amount of quality players in Utah, and limited spots on the Super League roster, the Utah Warriors have decided to start a team in the Division 1 league. The Warriors will have their Super League team training and playing directly with the D1 team and will provide top-level opportunity and support for the new team.

USA Sevens - The Utah Warriors Sevens team will consist of many of the best USA Sevens and US Eagles players. They begin their season this June, with the championships occurring at the end of August, and this new Sevens team will be playing the top Sevens teams from around the globe.

Highland High School - Highland has the most successful high school rugby team in the history of U.S. rugby, and was the inspiration for the movie “Forever Strong.” The Utah Warriors have worked out an agreement to assume all functions and future growth of the Highland High teams, with Haloti Liava assuming head coach responsibilities. Jon Law, head coach for the Warriors, will become Director of Rugby Operations for the new Highland programs. These teams will keep many of the legendary traditions of winning coach Larry Gelwick, as he transitions into a full-time service mission for the L.D.S. church.

“Our goal is to be able to support Utah rugby from rookie rugby and the youth programs, all the way to the U.S. Eagles,” said principal Sean Whalen. “We want Utah rugby to be the largest producer of top talent for the U.S. Eagles to select from, and for national teams to contract players to play professionally around the globe.”

With the Utah Warriors involved in rugby from youth programs up to the national team, there is a consistency that will be able to help train players for the national team, and teams around the globe.

About the Utah Warriors

The Utah Warriors are an expansion rugby team that competes in the Rugby Super League. Sean Whalen, CEO of Property 23, assembled the team in 2010 and handles team operations.