Manu Samoa’s Rugby World Cup attack coach, Chris Latham, has signed a two-year contract to be head coach of Major League Rugby’s Utah Warriors in the United States.

Latham leaves the Manu set up after 18 months in the role, having helped Samoa qualify for the World Cup before a disappointing tournament saw the Manu miss the quarterfinals.

“Having had the privilege of being involved in this great game for well over 20 years it has allowed me to see the world and experience many cultures,” Latham said in the Warriors’ press release. 

“Rugby has instilled lifelong core values that I live by and the decision to join the Warriors was a very easy fit.”

Latham will be joined in Utah by his family who are excited about the prospects of living in Utah and the opportunities that it presents.

Manu Samoa’s current coaching staff led by Vaeluagaomatagi Steve Jackson will have their performance reviewed by the Samoa Rugby Union over the coming weeks, before a decision is made on whether they will continue or the jobs are put on the open market.