The Utah Warriors signed Jonah Dietenberger after obtaining his signing rights from San Diego Legion in exchange for the rights to Mikey Te’o for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. In addition, Utah received salary cap consideration for the 2023 season.
Johan was the Legion’s 2021 MLR Collegiate Round 1 draft pick #5. The 23-year-old lock (24 in March) is 6’6″ and 225 lbs.
He played 54 minutes in 2 matches for San Diego in the 2022 season. Jonah played for the USA Falcons in Montevideo, Uruguay against Uruguay XV, and Argentina XV in October.
Jonah, who is from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, played in last Friday’s scrimmage against Austin Gilgronis. It is unclear whether he has signed an MLR contract or is a development player, pending a team announcement.
Jonah began playing flag rugby when he was in fourth grade and later high school rugby for the Wolfpac when he attended North Fond du Lac High School. He also wrestled and played football while there. Jonah was recognized as a player to watch and earned him a spot with the Badger Selects.
He attended Lindenwood University from 2017 to 2021, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. A highlight for him was beating Life University in rugby XVs for the first time. In 2018 he attended the USA Junior All-American Camp, which was used for the World Rugby Trophy Qualifier selection. Although he was not named to the squad, it was an honor to attend.
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