(University of Utah Release) – After a very successful return to collegiate Rugby in both 15s and 7s following a two-year suspension enforced by the University, University of Utah Men's Rugby is making some changes.

Under the leadership of Rugby Director Mark Drown, Utah returned to national rankings with a talented & experienced coaching staff and a group of players that rose to the challenge at every opportunity. But with an eye toward long-term success, Drown has announced that Utah Rugby Head Coach Haloti Liava'a will be assuming the duties and responsibilities as Utah's Director of Rugby, overseeing both the 15s and the 7s programs. Liava'a has a long history as a Ute where he played linebacker for the Utes in the mid-'80s. As a Public School Administrator he has close ties with the University and surrounding community. His rugby background includes several National Championships with Highland Rugby, and serving as Head Coach of the Utah Cannibals Select 15s, and as the Forwards Coach for the Utah Warriors in the Super League. 

With this move, the Utes will also be making a move at Head Coach, with Jon Law moving into that job. As a member of the USA U19 team, Law played under the direction of coaches Tony Smeeth and Mike Tolkin and contributed to several National Championships for Highland Rugby as both a player and an assistant coach. He then moved on to be President of the Utah Rugby Union.

Law was previously the Head Coach of the very successful Utah U17 and U19 15s Select Sides as well as the Utah Warriors of the Super League. He earned coaching certifications in New Zealand where he and his wife, Alyson, lived and return frequently for coaching development.  As the Associate Head Coach at the University of Utah, Coach Law taught attack patterns that consistently placed points against the top teams in the country. 

Coach Drown will continue to focus on the Utes 7s Program, player identification, and recruiting for Utah’s 15s and 7s Rugby Program.