### BYU’s Cole Semu Pursues Rugby Career with Utah Warriors, Secures Major Offer from Michigan Wolverines After Big Career Move
BYU student and rugby standout **Cole Semu** is making waves in the sports world as he transitions from collegiate rugby to the professional stage with the **Utah Warriors**. His journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and now, with a **major offer from the Michigan Wolverines**, Semu finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career.
#### A Rising Star in Rugby
Semu’s rugby career began at **Brigham Young University**, where he played for three seasons, honing his skills and proving himself as a formidable force on the field. His dedication and talent did not go unnoticed, leading to his selection as the **No. 28 overall pick** in the **Major League Rugby college draft** last summer [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/25/who-is-cole-semu-utah-warriors-rookie/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNWhtUXd0MlpIUGVEd05ZSzFhblY5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yNVwvd2hvLWlzLWNvbGUtc2VtdS11dGFoLXdhcnJpb3JzLXJvb2tpZVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
His transition to professional rugby was swift. Within weeks of joining the **Utah Warriors**, Semu made his **professional debut** in a thrilling **45-28 victory** over **Rugby FC Los Angeles** [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/25/who-is-cole-semu-utah-warriors-rookie/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNWhtUXd0MlpIUGVEd05ZSzFhblY5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yNVwvd2hvLWlzLWNvbGUtc2VtdS11dGFoLXdhcnJpb3JzLXJvb2tpZVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Just a week later, he secured his **first professional start** in a match against **San Diego Legion**, where he played a crucial role in the team’s **31-18 win** [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/25/who-is-cole-semu-utah-warriors-rookie/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNWhtUXd0MlpIUGVEd05ZSzFhblY5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yNVwvd2hvLWlzLWNvbGUtc2VtdS11dGFoLXdhcnJpb3JzLXJvb2tpZVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
#### A Bold Career Move
Semu’s decision to **pause his academic pursuits** to focus entirely on rugby was a bold one. “I took the semester off just because it’s my first professional rugby season, so I want to just give it 100%,” Semu explained [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/25/who-is-cole-semu-utah-warriors-rookie/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNWhtUXd0MlpIUGVEd05ZSzFhblY5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yNVwvd2hvLWlzLWNvbGUtc2VtdS11dGFoLXdhcnJpb3JzLXJvb2tpZVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His commitment to the sport has already paid off, as he continues to impress both fans and coaches alike.
Beyond his on-field success, Semu’s time with the **Utah Warriors** has allowed him to reconnect with his **New Zealand heritage**. Born in **New Zealand** but raised in **Ferndale, Washington**, Semu has embraced his roots through the sport that has shaped his identity [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/25/who-is-cole-semu-utah-warriors-rookie/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNWhtUXd0MlpIUGVEd05ZSzFhblY5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yNVwvd2hvLWlzLWNvbGUtc2VtdS11dGFoLXdhcnJpb3JzLXJvb2tpZVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
#### Michigan Wolverines Come Calling
While Semu’s focus has been on professional rugby, his athleticism and versatility have caught the attention of **Michigan Wolverines recruiters**. The Wolverines, known for their powerhouse football and rugby programs, have extended a **major offer** to Semu, presenting him with an opportunity to expand his career beyond Major League Rugby [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/25/who-is-cole-semu-utah-warriors-rookie/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNWhtUXd0MlpIUGVEd05ZSzFhblY5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yNVwvd2hvLWlzLWNvbGUtc2VtdS11dGFoLXdhcnJpb3JzLXJvb2tpZVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
The offer from Michigan signals a **potential shift** in Semu’s trajectory. While he remains committed to his rugby career, the prospect of joining a **prestigious collegiate program** like Michigan could open doors to new opportunities in both rugby and football.
#### What’s Next for Semu?
As Semu weighs his options, one thing is certain—his **dedication, skill, and passion** for the game will continue to drive him forward. Whether he remains with the **Utah Warriors** or takes on a new challenge with the **Michigan Wolverines**, his future in sports looks incredibly bright.
For now, Semu is focused on **making an impact** in professional rugby, proving that his decision to chase his dreams was the right one. And with each game, he’s showing the world that he’s just getting started.
[A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/25/who-is-cole-semu-utah-warriors-rookie/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXQnpWbVhYa0prR1hVZEpzcFhYN1ciLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNWhtUXd0MlpIUGVEd05ZSzFhblY5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yNVwvd2hvLWlzLWNvbGUtc2VtdS11dGFoLXdhcnJpb3JzLXJvb2tpZVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1): [Deseret News](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/25/who-is-cole-semu-utah-warriors-rookie/)
