SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Warriors announced on Thursday that they have signed assistant coach Robbie Abel to a three-year contract extension.

Robbie Abel joined the Utah Warriors in 2021 and will be retained by new head coach Greg Cooper.

“l am delighted that Robbie has agreed to continue as assistant coach,” said Cooper. “He is respected by the players for his knowledge and his ability to deliver that knowledge in a clear and understandable style. As Warrior Nation, we are fortunate to have someone with the character and values that Robbie possesses and someone who strongly believes in the team and community he represents.”

Giddy Up 🤠

We've extended Robbie Abel's contract as Assistant Coach!#ForTheNation

— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) July 28, 2022

Abel was one of two assistant coaches on the staff last season, alongside Shaun Davies and was in charge of the forwards. When head coach Shawn Pittman was fired during the season, Abel and Davies shared the head coaching duties in the interim.

Under Abel’s leadership, the Warriors won the most scrums of any team in Major League Rugby with 124. The Utah forwards finished the 2021 campaign with the second-fewest penalties and turnovers of any forwards in the league. Additionally, the Warriors’ forwards had 1,296 tackles and 19 tries last season.

“We are delighted to welcome Robbie Abel back to the organization for the next three years,” said Warriors’ General Manager Brandon Sparks. “He is just starting his coaching career but has potential to change the game of rugby at the global level one day. I’m excited the Utah Warriors can be the launching pad for that.”

Abel is from Australia and has experience playing professional rugby in both his home country and New Zealand. He had appearances for the Maori All Blacks in a USA and South America tour.

“My whānau and I are excited to rejoin our Utah family and team,” said Abel. “The possibilities excite us, and we look forward to seeing how much this team can grow this coming season. I’m also excited to reunite with Shaun [Davies] and coach with Greg Cooper. Having the opportunity to coach with someone as experienced as Coops is a big blessing for me and my development. I can’t wait to rip in.”

Abel will continue to oversee the forwards on Greg Cooper’s staff.

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