The Utah Warriors have confirmed a list of 17 departures from their 2024 campaign. It accounts for greater than 40% of the 39 players who made an appearance during the course of the season. On the list are several prominent names, among them five internationals including three USA Eagles.
Loosehead prop Franco van den Berg is the longest-tenured player moving on, having joined the side in 2019. Back row Thomas Tu’avao, tighthead prop Paul Mullen, and versatile back Mika Kruse also have more than 50 Major League Rugby appearance for Utah. Vice-captain Caleb Makene departs after three years at Zions Bank Stadium.
Tongan international Onehunga Havili is moving on, as are hooker Nic Souchon and scrumhalf Kieran McClea. All played significant roles during the past season. Canadian flyhalf Robbie Povey leaves after his second stint with the club, having also suited up for the Warriors during the truncated 2020 campaign.
Greg Cooper has been retained as Head Coach for 2025 but he will have a much-changed roster with several new recruits required to fill the gaps. Kruse is the only player who has confirmed his new home, signing on with the Seattle Seawolves. Winger Jesse Hamilton is currently playing for Charlotte RC in the American Rugby Premiership and could land with Anthem in the new year.
POS | PLAYER | DEBUT | CAPS |
LH | Franco van den Berg | 2019 | 66 |
HO | Nic Souchon | 2024 | 15 |
TH | Paul Mullen | 2021 | 56 |
LO | Louis Conradie | 2024 | 8 |
LO | Jonah Dietenberger | 2023 | 4 |
FL | John DuPree | 2023 | 8 |
N8 | Onehunga Havili | 2023 | 27 |
N8 | Thomas Tu’avao | 2020 | 58 |
SH | Kieran McClea | 2024 | 16 |
FH | Robbie Povey | 2020 | 13 |
CE | Lopeti Aisea | 2024 | 9 |
CE | Alesana Pohla | 2024 | 6 |
CE/WI | Mika Kruse | 2021 | 51 |
WI | Noah Bain | 2024 | 1 |
WI | Jesse Hamilton | 2023 | 7 |
WI | Isaia Kruse | 2024 | 6 |
FB | Caleb Makene | 2022 | 44 |