SALT LAKE CITY — Rugby Utah announced Monday the formation of its elite Men’s Olympic Development Academy 7s team. The announcement came on the heels of the organization's inaugural national talent combine, held in conjunction with USA Rugby.
The Rugby Utah ODA team, USA Rugby's official national development academy, is meant to develop opportunities for talent to support the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Rugby 7s national team campaigns
“This inaugural ODA team is something that has been years in the making,” coach Kimball Kjar said. “Our announcement today lays the foundation for the rising generation of outstanding rugby athletes in Utah dreaming of representing their country either internationally or in the Olympics. We’re very excited to introduce this team of Utah-based rugby talent at such a prestigious tournament, and we are proud to be representing the great state of Utah as well.”
Of the 21 squad members, 15 have roots in Utah, with 12 hailing from BYU and the University of Utah.
BYU sophomore Calvin Whiting and Utah senior Daniel Christensen played also played their high school in Utah, with United and Highland, respectively.
Whiting and BYU junior Tua Leai played with the USA Rugby U20 National Team, with Whiting captaining the team and Leai helping capture the country’s first ever World Rugby Trophy in 2012.
Former BYU and NFL veteran Vic So’oto is making his first foray into rugby alongside fellow BYU alum Scott Lefrandt, who showed well at the Rugby Utah Talent Combine last month.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” So’oto said. “I’ve played at the highest level of football, but it’s something special to try to make an Olympic team. I’m very excited about this opportunity.”
The team’s first competitive tournament will be at the USA Rugby feature trial tournament of the Elite City 7s, in Philadelphia, Aug. 29-30. The event pits other top teams in trials, so USA Rugby coaches and staff can find prospective talent.
Kjar, a former USA National player, is supported by former USA 7s National Team standouts Steve St. Pierre and Nu’u Punimatta.
Rugby Utah ODA 7s team roster (height, weight, position, last club):
Robert Ah Sue (6-foot-2, 215, Wing, Park City Haggis)
Josh Anderson (6-4, 205, Wing, BYU)
Naki Angilau (5-10, 185, Wing, Rugby Utah ODA)
George Blake (5-10, 225, Center, Rugby Utah ODA)
Danny Christensen (5-9, 170, Scrum Half, University of Utah)
Chad Gough (6-0, 220, Hooker, University of Utah)
Austin Griffin (6-7, 220, Wing, Snow Canyon HS)
Tua Laei (5-10, 205, Center, BYU)
Scott Lefrandt (5-10, 185, Wing, Rugby Utah ODA)
Raymond Mataele (5-10, 196, Wing, Park City Haggis)
Benjamin Nicholls (5-11, 205, Fly Half, Park City Haggis)
Joseph Nicholls (6-0, 178, Scrum Half, BYU)
Casey Raymond (5-7, 148, Scrum Half, University of Utah)
Gabriel Ruflin (6-4, 205, Prop, University of Utah)
Kevin Schofield (6-0, 197, Wing, BYU)
Nakoni Slivers (6-1, 205, Hooker, University of Utah)
Vitale So'oto (6-3, 245, Prop, Rugby Utah ODA)
William Taylor (6-5, 215, Prop, Rugby Utah ODA)
Taylor Thomas (5-11, 195, Hooker, Rugby Utah ODA)
Josh Whippy (6-1, 193, Center, BYU)
Calvin Whiting (6-1, 205, Fly Half, BYU)
Website: RugbyUtah.com