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The Utah Warriors have added a pair of World Cup attendees to their roster for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. Samoa scrumhalf Dwayne Polataivao and Fiji hooker Veremalua Vugakoto join the Salt Lake City franchise, the latest to sign on under new coach Chris Latham.
Polataivao stepped into the starting role for the Manu in Japan after Scott Malolua’s untimely injury just prior to the tournament. The 29-year-old played three matches, bringing his cap total to 16 since his debut in 2016. He arrives after playing for Doncaster Knights in the RFU Championship this past season.
At just 21, Vugakoto has played 9 tests for Fiji and is considered by many to be a future starter for his country. He made three appearances during the World Cup, all as a replacement. Vugakoto attended the prestigious Nelson College in New Zealand on a rugby scholarship before turning out for domestic professional sides Fijian Drua and Latui.
The Warriors continue to announce new players for their upcoming campaign as they look to rebound after a disappointing 2019. Other recruits from the Southern Hemisphere include Australian Richard Stanford, Jurie van Vuuren from South Africa, and New Zealand pair Adam Thomson and Kalolo Tuiloma.
