In an article by the Desert News, James Semple was introduced as a member of the Utah Warriors 2019 Coaching staff. The Utah Warriors Media Guide also introduced him as a player-coach for the team.
The 29-year-old flyhalf, backs coach and Academy Manager, is from Tauranga, New Zealand. He is 6’0″ and 187 lbs. He attended Unitec Institute of Technology in 2012 and earned a Diploma in New Zealand Business and Business Administration.
James played rugby with Auckland Rugby Club, New Zealand Universities, and Takapuna. He played professionally with Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup in 2010-2011 and with North Harbour in 2012-2013. He also played with BT Scotland Premiership, Currie Rugby Club, and will play with the Utah Warriors in 2019.
James also has an extensive coaching background. He is a World Rugby Level 3 Coach for 15s and has been a Coach Educator since 2017. From 2014-2015 he was the Youth Development Officer for Currie Rugby Club. In 2015-2016 he was a Coach Educator and Development Officer for the Scottish Rugby Union and in 2017-2018 the Rugby Development Coach for Chiefs Rugby Club. In 2018 he was the Waikato Rugby Development Coach, the Waikato Women’s FPC Assistant Coach, and a Mitre 10 Kicking Coach.
James will be working with the Utah Warriors Backs a Coach and in helping the team with kicking. He will also serve as the Academy Manager. Early in the season, the team will miss Josh Reeves, who will be playing in the Americas Rugby Championship with Brazil. James is an experienced flyhalf, who will be able to provide leadership at a key position.
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