Paul Mullen, Paul Lasike named to USA Eagles Roster for FQT Opener

HERRIMAN, UT (November 3, 2022) – Two members of the Utah Warriors, Paul Mullen and Paul Lasike, have been selected to the Match Day 23-Man Roster for the USA Eagles match against Kenya this Sunday, USA Rugby announced.

“We are thrilled to see two very deserving players be named to the Match Day 23 Roster for USA Rugby,” said Warriors General Manager Brandon Sparks. “Paul Mullen and Paul Lasike do a phenomenal job representing the four stripes and four core values of the Utah Warriors and we have no doubt they will represent the United States well in this match. We wish nothing but the best of luck to Paul and Paul along with the rest of the players competing in Dubai.”

.@utwarriorsrugby's Paul Mullen (3 Tight Head Prop) and @byurugby/@byufootball alum Paul Lasike (12 Inside Center) AKA THE PAUL'S get the start for the Eagles in Sunday's Rugby World Cup qualifying tournament for the final spot.#ForTheNation https://t.co/shqkSFJoqD

— Jarom Jordan (@jaromjordan) November 4, 2022

Lasike, a center for the Utah Warriors, will start for the Eagles wearing the No. 12 jersey. A former standout for the BYU Rugby and Football teams, Lasike joined the Warriors in 2018 following a two-year NFL career. Lasike then went on to spend three seasons with the Harlequins of Premiership Rugby in England before returning to the Warriors this past season. Sunday’s match vs. Kenya will be Lasike’s 20th cap for the USA Eagles.

Mullen, a prop for the Utah Warriors, will start alongside Lasike for the Eagles wearing the No. 3 jersey. A native of Ireland, Mullen attended Texas A&M University where he studied Marine Engineering before starting his career in the MLR with the San Diego Legion. Mullen previously played for the Houston SaberCats prior to joining the Warriors in lead up to the 2021 season. Mullen, who appeared in every game for Utah this past season, will be making his 28th appearance for USA Rugby this weekend.

“We’re very happy to finally be here in Dubai, there has been a lot of build up and preparation to this point, so we’re eager to get underway,” said USA Eagles Head Coach Gary Gold. “Kenya will bring a fast-paced game, we expect them to be physical and take their chances with ball in hand, but the guys are altogether focused on their own game and playing to those strengths this Sunday.”

Fans can watch the USA Eagles take on Kenya in the first round of final World Cup Qualifier matches in Dubai this Sunday at 5AM MT. The match will be streamed live on The Rugby Network.

💬"It was either Utah or I was probably going to hang it up to be honest…"

Class speaking to Paul Lasike, Shan Davies and @0BrandonSparks0 following Paul's return to Utah after nearly four years with @Harlequins.

📰| @usmlr
📸| @utwarriorsrugby
🔗| https://t.co/874Cu8nj1J pic.twitter.com/443RIGVGHf

— Joe Harvey (@joeharvey34) March 25, 2022

ABOUT THE UTAH WARRIORS
The Utah Warriors are a founding member of Major League Rugby and one of 13 professional rugby teams competing in the MLR. The organization is entering its sixth season as a part of the MLR in 2023. The team is built upon four core values of Community, Family, Tradition and Respect. To learn about the Warriors 2023 schedule, or to purchase tickets, visit us online at www.warriorsrugby.com