The Utah Warriors signed Henry Bell for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The 23-year-old hooker is 5’10” and 235 lbs.
Henry is from Pig Root, New Zealand, and grew up on a sheep and beef station managed by his parents. His father Johnny is a fifth-generation proprietor of Shag Valley Station.
Henry attended John McGlasha College where he was the Head Boy while there in 2017. He also played rugby for the 1st XV. He played for Otago Rugby in the National Provincial Championship from 2020 to 2022, playing 17 matches, starting 8, and scoring 4 tries.
Utah Warriors Comments
“I chose to come to the Warriors and Major League Rugby in order to experience a high level of rugby while also being able to travel and see different parts of the world,” said Bell. “Additionally, new Warriors’ Head Coach Greg Cooper is a kiwi like myself, so that connection really made Utah stand out to me.”
Henry has been on fire in the Bunnings NPC this season and we are excited to welcome him to Warriors Nation for 2023,” said Warriors General Manager Brandon Sparks. “His open play work rate and precision at lineout time will strengthen our squad and set piece. He is of strong character and has some lofty goals in rugby that we are happy to support.”
A native of Dunedin, New Zealand, the 23-year-old Hooker prepped at John McGlasha College in Dunedin before joining Otago Rugby, where he made 17 appearances between 2020 and 2022. Bell is coming off his best season for Otago in 2022, scoring four tries in ten appearances (eight starts).
“I’m excited to come to Utah and continue to develop as a player in the MLR this coming year,” said Bell. “I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and teammates and just enjoying my first season with the Warriors.”
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