MEDIA DAY

Officially introducing the team to the public

By Utah Warriors Rugby

February 1^st, 2020

“It's easy to get people's attention, what counts is getting their interest.” -A. Philip Randolph

In the middle of the Silicon Slopes Tech Summit stood three men dressed in traditional Scottish attire. Two blew into their bagpipes as the third played his drum, their sound filling the convention center and drawing the attention of everyone around them. Standing a few feet away were the Utah Warriors players, interacting with those in attendance. Their combined purpose was to spark people’s interest and invite them into the Utah Warriors’ Media Day press conference. Here, they would learn about rugby’s history in Utah, Major League Rugby and the Utah Warriors.

CONNECTIONS AND LIFEBLOOD

“It can be the greatest game in the world, but if there are no people to watch it, it becomes nothing. The fans are the lifeblood of the game.” -Jock Stein

Wade Sherman, co-founder of the Warriors, stood center stage to begin the press conference. In his introduction, he explained that we as a society want to connect with others but our growing connection to our devices is keeping us from doing so. He said rugby is a way for people to get outside, away from their screens and connect with others in their community. He mentioned the continuous growth of Major League Rugby and attributed it to the fans, calling them the “lifeblood” of the Utah Warriors. He made sure to highlight the dedication of Warriors Nation for their attendance last season despite the harsh weather conditions. Warriors Nation are NOT fair-weather fans, and Sherman was sure to let everyone in attendance know.

HERE TO STAY

Next, Kimball Kjar, CEO and GM, addressed the public and press in attendance, letting them know that Major League Rugby in the United States and the Utah Warriors aren’t going anywhere. He said the long-term plan for the Warriors is to have their own stadium, facilities and home. He explained the history of the MLR, the power of rugby and staff changes within the Warriors, which includes rugby legend and head coach Chris Latham. Kjar said the MLR is arguably the fastest growing professional league in the United States, but no one knows about it, which is something they are looking to improve on. Where Kjar is also looking for growth is in making Utah the epicenter of rugby in North America.

Following Kjar, Coach Latham assumed the mic. He gave a brief background on himself and said he loves rugby because it allows all shapes and sizes to play and unites people from varying backgrounds, countries and cultures. Latham said the presence of these characteristics on the Warriors team is what excited him to move from Australia to Utah to coach them. He reiterated the importance of fans coming out and supporting the team in their games and introduced the 2020 season’s captain Dwayne Polataivao and vice-captain Saia ‘Uhila.

Polataivao said he is honored and blessed to get to represent Utah and his family in this role and is looking forward to the season. ‘Uhila said he’s looking forward to having the fans come out and support them and the Warriors being able to give back to the community. He hopes to support the local youth in becoming a part of the Utah Warriors in the future.

GET INVOLVED

The floor was opened up to the press and audience members for questions. Afterward, the players moved to the front of the room and gave a volunteer from the crowd the chance to get involved with rugby by conducting a lineout with them. The players lifted this suit-wearing gentleman into the air as he caught the ball.

Once the press conference was finished, players, coaches and staff continued to interact and mingle with those in attendance. The players then concluded the afternoon with Silicon Slopes Serves where they volunteered to pack healthy meals for the Utah Food Bank.

SINGLE GAME TICKETS AVAILABLE!

We're less than a month away from kicking off our 2020 MLR season campaign. With the team finally set foot in the public scene we're 8 days from the season. See you soon February 9th in Atlanta!