Three Fijians have been named in the Utah Warriors rugby franchise that will play in the inaugural Major League Rugby starting on April 20.  They are Alekisa Kalougata from Vanua Levu and the Whippy brothers of Suva, Jared and Josh.

The MLR says in a brochure that this will be the highest level of American interstate professional rugby.

Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States.  MLR says with a Nielsen-measured fan base of over 40 million people rugby’s American foundation and wide-ranging global appeal combine to create a unique environment for a professional league in the American market.

MLR says it will invigorate the American rugby development pathway.

Tonight head coach Jack Daniels said he was happy with the first pre-season hit-out against Colorado Raptors which featured the Whippy brothers. Although they lost 15-42, he was impressed with leadership shown by First five Jared and fullback Josh. Wing Kalougata was rested.

The brothers were happy with their first outing although there were a lot of issues to iron out.

Daniels said the positive from the game was that there was no lack of commitment, intensity and physicality. The team has international mix that includes Fijian, Polynesian and Kiwi players who have just been together for two months.

Edited by  Leone Cabenatabua

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