Dwayne Polataivao to Captain the Warriors going into the 2020 MLR Season

Fresh off of the heels of the 2019 Rugby World Cup representing Manu Samoa, Dwayne Polataivao joins the Utah Warriors as our newest scrumhalf.

Polataivao was raised in Auckland, New Zealand. The 29-year-old Samoan’s professional rugby career began in 2015 for the Auckland Rugby Union.

A year into his career, Polataivao’s play garnered the attention of Manu Samoa, leading them to call him up to represent Samoa in international play. He earned his first cap for Samoa on June 10, 2016 when Samoa matched up against Georgia. Polataivao’s recent appearances for Manu Samoa include the 2019 Pacific Nations’ Cup and the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He continued his professional rugby career by moving to England and playing with the Doncaster Knights for their 2019 season.

Shortly after the 2019 Rugby World Cup came to an end, Polataivao made the move to the United States where he signed with the Utah Warriors. He joined a familiar face in newly appointed head coach Chris Latham, as Latham was also an assistant for Manu Samoa in 2019.

Speaking with Polataivao he said “I very blessed and very honored to represent Utah, the Warriors and my family” and we should look forward to a great brand of rugby this season.

Latham recently announced that Polataivao is captain for the Warriors’ 2020 season. Latham’s familiarity with Polataivao’s skills and experience made the decision an easy one. With his quick decisions at the breakdown and leadership on both sides of the ball, Polataivao is ready to showcase his skills against the competition in the 2020 Major League Rugby season.

Photos by Wade Bricknell