Utah Warriors drafted John Powers as the 7th selection in the Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft. The 22-year-old wing/fullback is 6’0″ and 190 lbs.
John is from Rockaway Park, New York, and grew up in a military family. He lived in many places worldwide and began playing rugby while living in the Philippines around age 10. He attended Xavier High School and played rugby for four years and helped the team win New York State Championships, as well as advancing deep into High School Nationals.
He then attended Iona College where he played mainly in the back three but was a flyhalf as a Sophomore. During 2019, he was the rugby team’s vice-captain, was selected to the D1A first-team All-Liberty Conference, and also was invited to the All-American Camp East. He also was honored as the 2019 Rugby United New York U23 Development Academy Captain.
John also played rugby sevens in the Collegiate Rugby Championship and a personal highlight was when the team beat Kutztown University. He played with NYAC in the Summer Club Sevens competition and has also represented the Atlantis Sevens.
Living in many places should help John make a successful adjustment to moving to Utah for the first time. He has experienced the culture shock of living in many places worldwide and his adaptability should make the transition to professional rugby an easier one for him.
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