For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 18, 2019
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The Utah Warriors announced today that Head Coach Alf Daniels’ contract will not be renewed going into the 2020 season and that he has been released as Head Coach. In addition, Scotland native and Forwards Coach Stevie Scott will not be returning to the Utah Warriors next season for personal reasons.
Warriors CEO/GM Kimball Kjar announced the change today following the MLR’s Championship weekend in San Diego, which saw the Seattle Seawolves win their second MLR title, defeating the San Diego Legion by a score of 26-23.
“It’s with remorse that Alf Daniels and I have concluded that for the best interests of the team that we part ways with Alf as head coach of the Utah Warriors,” Kjar said, “Alf was the only candidate I interviewed that came into this role with his shovel ready and sleeves rolled and ready to work in building the foundation of the Warriors. The entire organization, including myself will forever be grateful for the efforts, sacrifice and commitment that Alf gave to this team, the players and our great fans.”
After a playoff appearance in the inaugural 2018 MLR season, the Utah Warriors closed out their 2019 campaign in 8th place with a 2-12-2 record. Coach Daniels had a combined two-year record of 5-19-2.
“It has been an honor to serve as Head Coach for the Utah Warriors rugby team in their opening two seasons, and I thank the Warriors for giving me this opportunity. The Players, Management, Staff and I have worked hard to build the foundation for what I hope will lead to greater success for this Club in future years. I have been so blessed to make many new friends here in Utah and across the MLR. The Utah Fans and Rugby Community have been outstanding supporters of this Club and I thank them and everyone that has helped to make this a great experience for my wife and I.” said Alf Daniels.
The Warriors will also be without the services of Stevie Scott, who has already departed the club for family and personal reasons. Scott came to the Warriors from Scotland, and had been away from his family for over seven months. Backs Coach James Semple will remain with the Warriors during this transition period.
Along with the changes at Head Coach position, Kjar also announced the team’s immediate search for the program’s first Director of Rugby.
“With the MLR growing at the pace that it is it’s important for us to push our abilities to not only keep up but to eventually and consistently outpace our competition in all areas on and off the field,” Kjar said, “As such, strategically, it’s important for the team to bring in a new driver of our team culture and the overall management of player personnel and the coaching staff.”
The 3rr season for Major League Rugby will begin in February of 2020, and include new league member cities Atlanta, Boston, and Washington D.C.
For more information about the Utah Warriors visit www.warriorsrugby.com.
