The Utah Warriors are partnering with Utah Youth Rugby (UYR), the local state governing body for youth and high school rugby, to launch the state’s premier High School Academy. The Academy will develop and facilitate opportunities for local rugby players to enter the Utah Warriors development pathway where they will learn on and off-field skills necessary to prepare them for the next level.

The purpose of the Academy is to facilitate skill development and rugby IQ in high school-aged players and expose them to the Warriors core values. Through this partnership with the UYR, the Warriors will work with UYR staff and coaches to assume the costs, leadership and management of the UYR All-Star program, also known as the Utah Cannibals. 

The Warriors Academy’s 2021 competition schedule will be played after the UYR high school season concludes. Players can expect to compete against other representative teams and MLR Academy sides. 

“The Warriors High School Academy will add another entry point for player identification and development. We are excited to work with the incredibly talented high school community here in Utah and continue to develop homegrown talent.”

– Brandon Sparks, Utah Warriors Dir. of Rugby

 

“This formation of an official partnership between the Utah Youth Rugby All-State Team program, the Utah Cannibals, and the Utah Warriors is an exciting step forward for youth and high school rugby in Utah. The formation of the Warriors Academy closes the open loop for high-performance rugby in Utah. I am proud that the Utah Cannibals were able to prepare our high school players for this day.”

– Owen Power, President of Utah Youth Rugby