photo credit: Wade Bricknell / Wade B Photos / Utah Warriors

Long list of departures confirmed by Utah Warriors

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

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