Chris Latham has stepped down as Head Coach of the Utah Warriors. The 45-year-old former Wallabies fullback has cited personal reasons for his departure. He will be replaced in an initial interim capacity by former US Eagles prop Shawn Pittman, who was Forwards Coach in the 2020 season.
Latham released a statement via an official release:
“Leaving the Warriors has not been an easy decision. I have the utmost respect for the organization, and I am proud of the progress the team has made in a short period of time. The roster for 2021 has the talent and experience to be the MLR Champions, and I have no doubt that’s where the team will be at the end of the season with Shawn at the helm.”
It’s a blow for the Warriors, who looked an improved side under Latham during the shortened 2020 campaign. Pittman will be aided by Eagles World Cup scrumhalf Shaun Davies, with Brandon Sparks the Director of Rugby also an accomplished coach. It’s not clear if further additions to the staff will arrive before the 2021 season’s end.