FINALS: 2020 Warriors Coed Touch Rugby League

Herriman, Utah — After 9 weeks of competition, the Warriors Coed Touch Rugby League found its new champion Thursday night, Oct. 8. This marks the end of the fifth annual run of Utah’s community-based league, the first of its kind in the country.

Tanoa took the title from reigning league champions Can’t Touch This in a riveting final match Thursday night. They dethroned Can’t Touch This with a final score of 9-6.

“Overall, it was a great tournament and gave the community a chance to get out once a week to enjoy the sport of rugby,” said William Racule, Utah Warriors Touch Rugby League Tournament Director. “We look forward to hosting more of these in the future.”

What began as a unique way to participate in the growth of rugby in Utah became an anticipated event attended by players from throughout the state. 

As rugby has established its popularity in Utah, the turnout to the annual Co-Ed league grew exponentially. The league created a place where players of all skill levels and backgrounds could come together to play the sport they loved. No contribution is too small, and one touch can change the outcome of the entire tournament. 

“[The touch league] has been a great experience,” said Dan James, captain of the third-place Westside Steppers. “We had a lot of players who had never even played rugby before, so for them to be able to come out and play and learn the game has been awesome.”

Each year the league has expanded, growing into a corporate culture building event through participation from companies like Domo and Adobe. By creating a safe space for new players to learn the game, the League brings even more people into the Utah rugby community without sacrificing the high level of competition.

“It brings us all together,” said Kahlil Harrison, second-place Can’t Touch This player, rugby veteran and recognized World Rugby referee. “These people could live in different cities and different counties, but once a week we get to come down here for a few hours and duke it out on the field.”

The Warriors Touch League remains a staple in the Utah rugby community five years after its creation and will continue to give players of all creeds a chance to lay their hearts out on the pitch alongside their community. 

Final Standings:

2020 League Champions – Tanoa

2nd place – Can’t Touch This

3rd place – Westside Steppers