MLR Utah Warriors

Utah Warriors 2023 Captains Named

Published on December 22, 2022 under Major League Rugby (MLR)
Utah Warriors News Release


HERRIMAN, Utah - Ahead of the Utah Warriors sixth season, newly appointed head coach Greg Cooper has named flanker Bailey Wilson and center Paul Lasike as team captains of the 2023 Warriors squad. Wilson will serve as captain, with Lasike acting as vice-captain.

Wilson is entering his fourth year with the Warriors and third year serving as captain. The flanker holds the franchise record for tackles made in a season, recording 201 in the 2022 season. Wilson moved to Utah when he was 14 and showcases the talent and drive of a Utah-built athlete, having played with United Rugby Club in high school and Utah Valley University prior to being signed by the Warriors in 2020.

"I'm looking forward to stepping onto the field with the boys; I'm just itching to get back out there again," Wilson said. "I really want to bring my leadership to the team and lead by example."

Lasike captained the original Utah Warriors squad in 2018, before signing to play in the English Premiership for the storied Harlequins Rugby Football Club outside of London from 2019 to 2022. Lasike, a former BYU Rugby All-American and football standout who had a stint in the NFL, returned to Utah halfway through the 2022 season and will now assume a leadership position alongside Wilson at the beginning of his third season with the Warriors.

"I'm looking forward to seeing new guys come in - and the returning players as well - and collaborating to have a great season, " Lasike said. "One thing I'm going to try and bring is just availability, by keeping healthy and making sure that I'm an option."

Head Coach Greg Cooper has expressed his confidence that Wilson and Lasike will bring energy and experience to the team with their leadership.

"As head coach, I'm delighted that Bailey is again captain of the Warriors," Cooper said. "He's a committed Utah man, leads by example and is respected by all. Having Paul as vice-captain provides the Warriors with a strong combination. Paul is a great thinker of the game and a proven performer who commits himself 100% to the cause."

The Utah Warriors will look to lean on the experience and work ethic of both Wilson and Lasike throughout the 2023 season in their effort to improve on their 2022 campaign that saw the Warriors tally a 5-11 record after the 2021 version of the team went 10-6 to a berth in the Western Conference Championship.

The Warriors' 2023 season kicks off on February 18, when the Warriors will face off against the San Diego Legion at the new 35,000 seat Snapdragon Stadium.

The team's home opener is set for the following weekend of February 25, where the Warriors will host the Dallas Jackals at Zions Bank Stadium for a midday kickoff.

To witness Wilson, Lasike and all of the Warriors' action, Warriors fans' best option is to become a Warriors Season Ticket Holder. Season tickets are available for the 2023 season now, with single game tickets to go on sale soon.

For more information on season ticket options and benefits, visit https://www.warriorsrugby.com/seasontickets/. For all other questions please call the Utah Warriors offices at 801-979-3166.

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Major League Rugby Stories from December 22, 2022


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