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The Utah Warriors have confirmed their initial roster for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. Among the 32 players named are six newcomers, most notably Eagles World Cup selects Paul Mullen and Mike Te’o who make the move to Salt Lake City from the San Diego Legion.
Mullen gives the Warriors two USA internationals to choose from at tighthead prop along with the incumbent starter Angus MacLellan. The former effectively replaces heavyweight Kalolo Tuiloma who will not be returning from New Zealand where he has been playing for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup.
The change for Te’o is less of a surprise with rumors circulating for the last month following San Diego’s signing of Cecil Afrika. With his short-term contract at London Scottish ruined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the star fullback replaces departing USA winger Gannon Moore on Utah’s roster.
Taking the place of Canadian international Robbie Povey, who has moved to Houston, is Manu Samoa cap Rodney Iona. The Australian-born flyhalf or inside center most recently won the Shute Shield with Gordon and has previous professional experience in Super Rugby, France, Spain, and the UK.
A pair of second row forwards add size and lineout ability. Aston Fortuin arrives from South Africa where he has been playing for the financially-stricken Southern Kings in the Guinness Pro 14. Prior to that the 24-year-old spent four years with the Blue Bulls including one season as a starter in the Currie Cup.
Two years younger is Matthew Dalton. Originally from Northern Ireland, he graduated through the Ulster academy program and played two seasons in the Pro 14. Dalton was a starter on the 2018 Ireland u20 side and most recently spent time in Australia playing with Bond University in the Gold Coast.
The sixth new signing is Canadian scrumhalf Fraser Hurst. Hailing from Vancouver, the 23-year-old has been a standout with the two-time national champion UBC Thunderbirds. He was a first choice at No9 for Canada at the 2017 World Rugby u20 Trophy tournament in Uruguay.
Also confirmed for the upcoming campaign were all four of Utah’s selections at the 2020 MLR Collegiate Draft. Tighthead prop Elijah Hayes, flyhalf Danny Giannascoli, and outside backs Derek Ellingson and John Powers will join the senior squad straight out of college.
Curiously not named during the presentation were second row John Cullen and scrumhalf Dwayne Polataivao. The international duo were presented as co-captains for 2021 in August and there has been no update offered as of yet on on their status for next season.
[EDIT: Utah have confirmed the retirement of John Cullen to pursue career opportunities. Dwayne Polataivao has opted to stay in New Zealand for family reasons.]
Others who featured in 2020 but were not in the announcement include: Huluholo Mo’ungaloa (LHP), Ricky Tu’ihalangingie (HO), Ara Elkington (FL), Blake Hohaia (CE), Nolan Tuamoheloa (WI), Fetu’u Vainikolo (WI), and Vatemo Ravouvou (FB).
A detailed roster as it stands can be seen here.
