Utah Warriors 2020 Media Day

Salt Lake City, UT – The Utah Warriors held their annual media day event at the Silicon Slopes Tech Summit (SSTS) to officially kick-off the 2020 Major League Rugby (MLR) season.

Prior to the event, the Warriors players and coaches were on hand to meet and greet those in attendance. Moments later the sounds of a Scottish pipe band filled the convention floor, drawing the attention of the SSTS attendees to signal that the press conference was about to begin.

The press conference began with the Vice-President of Adobe, and Warriors co-founder, Wade Sherman.

He shared a question that he was once asked by a friend of his that had no idea what rugby was. His friend asked, “Why should I care?”

Sherman explained that one word came to mind: experience.” He went on to say that rugby is a thrilling experience that allows us to separate ourselves from technology and to share in the experience with our community.

“Once you get that bug, and you see how thrilling of an experience that is, you want more of it” Sherman stated. He ended with a statement to the fans. “To our fans, thank you, that’s why we’re here. You are our life-blood.”

The CEO of the Warriors, Kimball Kjar, was next to address the press conference. Kjar discussed the current state of the Warriors and the league as well.

“Those of you new to the Warriors and Major League Rugby, this concept isn’t going anywhere, it’s here to stay.” Kjar explained how the MLR started and what the future has in store for the Warriors as well as the rest of the league. He added, “This is one of the fastest-growing leagues in the United States because people love the sport in America, they just don’t know it yet.

Kjar then introduced the new head coach for the Warriors, the second leading try scorer for the Australian international team, and 3 time Super Rugby Player of the Year, Chris Latham.

“I’ve represented Queensland 117 times in Super Rugby and I’ve represented my country 86 times over a 14 year period, so pretty much rugby to me is life” Latham stated. “It doesn’t matter what country you’re from, what your beliefs are, it has the ability to bring everybody together.”

Latham went on to say that he looks to bring the most success that he can to the team and the importance of the fan support as well.

Latham introduced the captain and vice-captain for the 2020 Warriors’ season Dwayne Polataivao and Saia ‘Uhila.

Captain, Polataivao stated “I’m blessed to be given this opportunity to represent Utah, and my family as well.” Polataivao stated that he just finished representing Samoa in the Rugby World Cup. He stated that he is looking forward to a big season ahead.

Vice-captain, ‘Uhila said “It’s been a great honor to represent the Utah Warriors and obviously the state of Utah. Every time I wear the jersey and the logo of the Utah Warriors that’s the only thing I’d die for on the field.” ‘Uhila went on to say that he is excited for the future of the Warriors.

The press conference concluded with the team coming forward for photo opportunities and the chance for a volunteer to take part in a line-out with the players as well as questions from the floor.

The players finished media day by volunteering with Silicon Slopes Serves, where they assisted by putting together some of the SSTS’s targeted one-million meals for the Utah Food Bank.

Utah Warriors High Performance Town Hall Wednesday February 5th.
The Utah Warriors high performance team will also be hosting a town hall that is free and open to the general public this Wednesday February 5th from 6-8pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Sandy 277 W. Sego Lily Drive Sandy, UT 84070. In attendance will be CEO/GM Kimball Kjar, head coach Chris Latham, and Director of Rugby Operations Brandon Sparks.