Idaho native Abe Turpen played in major League Rugby between 2024-2025 season. he represented the Utah Warriors (2024) and the NOLA Gold (2024-2025).

A multi-sport athlete growing up, Turpen played gridiron football and rugby, while also wrestling. He earned three state championships in wrestling and was an all-conference football player while attending Capital High School. He attended the University of Arizona and played rugby throughout his time there, also participating in the 2023 Collegiate Rugby Shield in Utah, where he caught the eye of the Warriors organisation.

In the 2023 MLR Collegiate Draft, the Utah Warriors selected Turpen in the 2nd Rd (22nd Overall) using a pick acquired via trade with the Houston SaberCats. He spent time in the Warriors system but did not feature for the MLR side. On 11th May 2024, the Warriors traded Turpen to the NOLA Gold in exchange for 2024 Salary Cap Considerations (unknown). Although he did not feature in MLR during 2024, on 8th January 2025 the NOLA Gold announced the return of Abe Turpen for a 2nd season in New Orleans in 2025.

achievements

• 2023 MLR Draftee: 2nd RD – 22nd Overall (Utah Warriors)