University of Utah Rugby is excited to announce the addition of Sean McKinney and Mike Lloyd as the Coaches for our developmental and B side. 

Coach McKinney joins us after have a successful career coaching at Herriman High school. Coach McKinney will bring his skills and knowledge of player development to our team as he heads the B side and player development program at University of Utah Rugby, focusing on new and inexperienced players.

Joining Sean is Mike Lloyd(Mongo) a former Utah Rugby Alumni who Captained the team from 94-97. Mike is a great coach who has coached in High school rugby for many years. Mike has been an active alumnus of the team and we are excited to have him join our staff. 

This is a crucial position for us as it helps us take athletes who have thrived in other sports and give them the attention needed to build the necessary skills, at an accelerated pace, so that they can join our Varsity team.  This expanded coaching staff will allow us to create a B side to get them the development games and  a schedule needed to thrive. 

​We are excited to announce 2 former Alumni joining our coaching staff. 


Mate Moeakiola
​
Mate was noticed by the USA Eagles while playing at the University of Utah. He played for the USA from 2007-2017. In his first world cup game in 2007 he subbed into the game to score a try against England and he remained a permanent fixture for the Eagles since. Mate enjoyed a long career playing professional rugby in Europe before moving back to Utah and retiring. 

Mate started coaching at Utah and was a valuable asset to the team. He left Utah for a few years to help on the High School level.  Recently he was instrumental in the coaching and development of Herriman Rugby, taking them to a National Championship. 

We are glad to have him back and are excited for the knowledge and leadership he brings to the team. 


Don Pati

We are pleased to announce that former Ute and USA Eagle, Don Pati, will be taking over as our head 7s coach. Don was born in Samoa and moved to Utah in high school he excelled in rugby and Joined the Utes in 2009. In 2010 Don was a key part of the Utah team that won the first collegiate 7s National Championship and even scored the game winning try against Cal. Don graduated from the U as the only 4 year All American from the U and continued to chase his dream of playing rugby. In 2017 he got his call to the Eagles 7s team and had a great career. 

Don becomes the next in a line of great 7s coaches to help further what has been a very successful program for the University of Utah. Don will bring his incredible knowledge, experience and toughness having played at the highest level.

After a hard press pandemic, the Utes are working to return to back in the Fall, look out soon for our schedule and further updates.

​The Scrummin Utes continue their 2018 spring campaign this Saturday vs UCLA at 6:00 pm at Snow Canyon High School in Saint George. After two consecutive losses Utah is looking for its first win of the season as they take on the Bruins.  UCLA (2-1) comes into this match with wins against Pac conference foes Arizona State and USC and a loss to Arizona. The Utes (0-2) are in a transition to different offensive and defensive schemes and their early games exposed areas of weakness, especially given that they were missing key players due to injury or illness. Despite those challenges, they had significant improvements from week one to week two and are looking to continue their momentum as the taken on a solid UCLA side. Bruins Coach Scott Stewart commented that "Utah is an excellent team so we will have to execute our own fundamentals well in order to compete" but felt confident that "We always have things we need to look after and this week it will be our own performance. If we play our own game then we can be competitive".  

In a week where Utah has had a lot of success vs the Bruins of UCLA, the Scrummin Utes hope to continue the success into the weekend.

Up Next:  Utes 7's team heads to Las Vegas next week for the annual 7's tournament.
  

​When the dust from the  stampede finally settled, it was clear that the Wyoming Cowboys were grateful that the Utes were headed back home.  There was little doubt in this match as to which team was the stronger  as the Utes relentlessly drove the ball across the try line.  Utah started the match with two quick tries and by the time all was said and done, three Utes would end up with hat tricks on this blustery Saturday afternoon.  Utah, who has been much improved this season with its passing, struggled a bit in the wind to keep things crisp and Wyoming tried to put point on the board early with a penalty kick, but could not convert.  Wyoming did manage a try just before the close of the first half but the aggressive Utes come out strong in the second half with points off of turnovers remaining a dominant theme of the match.

 Coach Rob Rendell's remarks that  "we had a rough start but were able to pick it up and finish well", might have been the understatement of the afternoon. The rout was lead by  Dillon "pickle" James, Caleb Meyer and Gabe Ruflin who all had hat tricks to lead the scoring barrage, with Dillon being designated the Utah Federal Credit Union  Warrior of the match. The Utah side was relentless in their rucks, dominate on the defensive side with the exception of some wind aided turnovers looked capable and clean in their offense.  The match closed out the fall 15's schedule and the  Utes will now prepare for Pac-12 7's tournament and spring rugby.

Go Utes!

​The Warrior of the Week is awarded to the Ute who plays with singular strength and courage.
He not only plays, but changes the game and inspires others to a higher standard.

​The Warrior of the Week is awarded to the Ute who plays with singular strength and courage.
He not only plays, but changes the game and inspires others to a higher standard.

​
Gabe Ruflin

Senior
8 Man

All American Gabe Ruflin was awarded the Warrior Spear for his outstanding play against the Lobos.  Gabe proved once again why his peers look up to him with several line-breaking carries to his credit.  He also defended with solid pressure and presence, putting a tackle technique clinic on full display.  Relentless, tireless, and a bit edgy - Gabe is one player the opposition must account for on every phase.

We are pleased to introduce Gabe Rufflin as the
University Federal Credit Union Warrior of the Week vs New Mexico.

​The Warrior of the Week is awarded to the Ute who plays with singular strength and courage.
He not only plays, but changes the game and inspires others to a higher standard.

​
Caleb Meyer

Junior
Flanker

Against the Colorado Buffaloes, Caleb did just about everything except kick for points.  The Utes fielded several new players, some of whom may have been a little lost were it not for Caleb's helpful and exhaustive instruction.  He tackled well, rucked well, organized well, communicated well, and in between all of that, managed to squeeze in his second hat trick in as many weeks.  The Flanker/Lock/Prop has a unique way of remaining intense while still cracking a few jokes to keep things balanced.

We are pleased to introduce Caleb Meyer as the
University Federal Credit Union Warrior of the Week vs Colorado.