Utah’s Mikey Te’o Named MLR Player Of The Year

HERRIMAN, Utah – Utah Warriors fullback Mikey Te’o has been named the Major League Rugby Player Of The Year, the league announced Tuesday.

“Mikey being named Player Of The Year is a testament to what he does off the field that allows him to perform at his best on Saturdays,” said Utah Warriors General Manager Brandon Sparks. “His professionalism, leadership and preparation raises both his standards and the standards of those around him. This is a well earned honor for him and he is an exemplary Player Of The Year.”

Your 2021 Major League Rugby Player Of The Year!#ForTheNation // @usmlr pic.twitter.com/O0XrrY0l59

— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) August 10, 2021

Te’o, a first year member of the Utah Warriors, led the league with 1,556 running metres and 173 carried metres while playing 1,223 minutes in 16 games for the Warriors. Additionally, Te’o finished the season with nine tries scored, second-most for Utah behind only First-Team All-MLR hooker Sama Malolo (11). Te’o proved to be dangerous on the attack for Utah all season long, as the Long Beach, California native tallied 10 line breaks, 50 broken tackles and nine try-assists in the 2021 campaign.

“Mikey has been one of the most creative and dynamic players this year in the MLR,” said Warriors Head Coach Shawn Pittman. “This year we’ve seen him flourish here in Utah and drive the standard that has helped us excel and reach the Playoffs. I can’t express how excited I am for him to achieve such an amazing award that he is very deserving of.”

Te’o signed with Utah before the 2021 MLR Season after having spent three seasons with the San Diego Legion, making 15 appearances and scoring eight tries – all in the 2019 season. In addition to his Major League Rugby experience, Te’o is a member of the USA Eagles’ XV team, most recently starting in matches for the Eagles against Ireland and England in July, 2021.

Te’o joins Brad Tucker of the Seattle Seawolves in 2019 as players who have won the award. No award was given for the shortened 2020 season.

MLR Player of the Year: Mikey Te'o 🥇

Read more about how Mikey Te'o earned the title of Player of the Year for the #MLR2021 season: https://t.co/ZjWWkv8sio 1/ pic.twitter.com/514wftE8AG

— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) August 10, 2021