The Utah Warriors are partnering with Utah Youth Rugby (UYR), the local state governing body for youth and high school rugby, to launch the state’s premier High School Academy. The Academy will develop and facilitate opportunities for local rugby players to enter the Utah Warriors development pathway where they will learn on and off-field skills necessary to prepare them for the next level.

The purpose of the Academy is to facilitate skill development and rugby IQ in high school-aged players and expose them to the Warriors core values. Through this partnership with the UYR, the Warriors will work with UYR staff and coaches to assume the costs, leadership and management of the UYR All-Star program, also known as the Utah Cannibals. 

A launch date is set for an opening winter camp, Dec. 27-30 for a limited group of 50 players. Following the winter camp, the Warriors Academy players who are selected will have every-other-week training sessions held Monday night with the Warriors coaches and players. The cost for the camp is $250 per player with most of the on-going costs supplemented by the Utah Warriors organization. 

The Warriors Academy’s 2021 competition schedule will be announced in the coming weeks, but it will feature a number of local, regional and MLR academy teams.

Utah Warriors Academy Key Dates & Information:

• Kick-Off: Winter Camp & Trial — Dec. 27-30, 2020
• Who: High School boys aged 14-18 years old — only 50 spots available
• On-Going Training: Every other Monday night starting January 19, 2021 (Pending Selection)
• Cost: $250 per player 
• 2021 Competition Schedule: To Be Announced
• Registration: Fill out the form BELOW to save your spot for the Winter Camp & Trial

“The Warriors High School Academy will add another entry point for player identification and development. We are excited to work with the incredibly talented high school community here in Utah and continue to develop homegrown talent.”

– Brandon Sparks, Utah Warriors Dir. of Rugby

 

“This formation of an official partnership between the Utah Youth Rugby All-State Team program, the Utah Cannibals, and the Utah Warriors is an exciting step forward for youth and high school rugby in Utah. The formation of the Warriors Academy closes the open loop for high-performance rugby in Utah. I am proud that the Utah Cannibals were able to prepare our high school players for this day.”

– Owen Power, President of Utah Youth Rugby

 

“The Warriors Academy allows us to get that direct link to the community, so we can give back and provide the help and resources that may not be accessible to them. It also provides a pathway for athletes and coaches to one day become professionals.”

-Chris Latham, Utah Warriors head coach