Thretton Palamo is headed back to rugby after completing his time with the University of Utah football team. He is currently with the Eagles 7s at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. It is believed that he will be under contract but that has yet to be 100% confirmed. A contract recently came open when Folau Niua made the move to Glasgow Warriors. The move was first announced by Utah Youth Rugby, and organization he was interning for.
Just heard @threttonpalamo is heading for Chula Vista. Congrats Thretton, represent us well!
— Utah Youth Rugby (@RugbyUtah) February 14, 2014Take the jump to read more.
Palamo of course has a long history with rugby. Until this last summer when Titi Lamositele broke his record Palamo was the youngest player ever to put on an Eagles uniform when be came on for the team against South Africa at the 2007 World Cup (he is still the youngest player even to play in the World Cup). He earned one further cap against Japan a year later. He also spent time with the Biarritz reserve team before heading back to the States.
Upon his return he played for the Eagles 7s team and the University of Utah before switching to play football. When making the switch it was thought that his athleticism would make him into an elite prospect but that didn't work out and he went through several position changes. In his three seasons with the team he played in 33 games and made 24 tackles.
Anyone who has seen Palamo play knows he brings a lot of rugby skill and power. He was the player of the inaugural Collegiate Rugby Championship and has the ability to play with anyone. He'll need some time to adjust back to rugby but once he does he could be a huge asset for both the 7s team and the 15s team.
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What do you make of his return? Think he can have an immediate impact?