A shocking announcement has left rugby fans in Utah reeling: the Utah Warriors, a beloved professional rugby team, has decided to suspend operations and sit out the 2026 Major League Rugby season. This news comes as a surprise, especially considering the team's recent success and commitment to the sport.
In a heartfelt statement, Kimball Kjar, Co-Founder and CEO of the Warriors, revealed that just days ago, the team was on track to participate in the upcoming season. However, a sudden change in circumstances led to this unexpected decision. Kjar chose not to disclose the exact reasons behind the suspension, instead focusing on the incredible community that rallied around the team.
"It may feel like a goodbye, but it's more of a shift in our focus," Kjar emphasized. He assured fans that their support for rugby in Utah would continue, promising to share details on how they can contribute to the vibrant rugby community that will carry on the legacy of the sport in the state.
The Utah Warriors played a pivotal role in the early days of Major League Rugby, being one of the original teams when the league was founded in 2018. In the 2025 season, they dominated the Western Conference throughout the regular season but ultimately fell short of winning the league title, losing to the Houston SaberCats in the Western Conference Finals.
Despite this setback, Kjar remains optimistic about the future of professional rugby in Utah. "This isn't the end," he said. "When the time comes to welcome professional rugby back, I look forward to standing alongside our entire Warriors nation family to cheer on our team once again."
But here's where it gets controversial: some fans and experts are questioning the timing and reasoning behind this decision. With the team's recent success, why now? And what could have caused such a sudden change? These questions remain unanswered, leaving room for speculation and debate among rugby enthusiasts.
What are your thoughts on this unexpected turn of events? Do you think the Utah Warriors made the right call, or is there more to this story? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a friendly discussion in the comments below!
