Vatuvei comes from a Tongan family and grew up in Hayward California. At Patterson High School Vatuvei was a nationally ranked Defensive End and was recruited by Utah and USC, but went to the University of Washington as a Freshman. In 2014 Vatuvei transferred to Louisville playing two seasons for the Cardinals and won the Music City Bowl in 2015 over Texas A&M.
Vatuvei started playing rugby with his brother and cousins when he was young to stay busy after the Football season. He was a member of the Hayward Griffins from 2006 to 2011. Football presented the most opportunities at the time, so rugby took the back seat until 2016 when Vatuvei played at Louisville.
In his first season with the Cardinals Vatuvei caught the attention of the All American coaches and was invited into their scouting camp. Recently Vatuvei joined the Jacksonville Axemen Rugby League team and represented the USA, starting for the Hawks against Canada in September.
As a Defensive End Vatuvei was 6’2 and 296 lbs, but on the rugby pitch he has played center, flanker and started in the halves for the USA Hawkes at 250 lbs. Pio will look to move to prop with the Warriors with the option of utilizing his agility, speed and size in other areas of the pitch.
Career
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Utah Warriors Loosehead Prop |
2018 - 2023 |
