Dallas Jackals Best Players of All Time

John Rizzo

The Dallas Jackals are an exciting and vibrant rugby team that has been thrilling fans in the Dallas area since their inception. With a focus on developing world-class talent, the Jackals have quickly become a beloved part of the community.

Not only do they provide a thrilling game experience, but they also take part in community outreach programs, showing their dedication to helping their local community. Whether you’re a passionate fan or just looking for a unique and exciting experience, the Dallas Jackals are sure to be a highlight in your day.

Table of Contents

1. Adriaan Booysen

Adriaan Booysen Career

  • 2017–2019: Welwitschias
  • 2020–2021: Houston Sabercats
  • 2022: Dallas Jackals
  • 2017-present: Namibia

Jan Adriaan Booysen is a 26-year-old number eight for the Namibia national rugby union team. He made his debut for the country in 2017 and has since played six matches, scoring two tries.

Jan is a product of Privaatskool Elnatan in Gobabis, where he also represented his school in cricket and basketball before turning to rugby union at age 18. 

In 2016, he was named as part of the Namibian Under 20 squad that competed at the Junior World Cup in Italy, helping them reach the quarterfinals stage before being eliminated by eventual champions England 29–20 on aggregate.

A hard-working player with plenty of speed and power on the attack, Jan will be looking to continue playing international rugby and qualify for next year's World Cup in Japan – one step closer to representing his home country at an elite level. 

Adriaan Booysen is a retired Namibian rugby union player. He played for the Houston Sabercats in the USA PRO Rugby competition and also represented his country at the international level.

In 2017, he announced his retirement from rugby after 15 years of competing at the highest level. Booysen is now focusing on his new career as a sports commentator and analyst for TV networks across Africa. 

He has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Pretoria in recognition of his achievements both on and off the pitch during his playing career. 

His nickname was "The Beast". He holds several records within Namibia's rugby history, including the most capped player (100) and most tries scored (38).

Also Played For: houston sabercats, namibia rugby

2. Liam Murray

Liam Murray Career

  • 2021: Houston SaberCats
  • 2021: Toronto Arrows (loan)
  • 2022-: Dallas Jackals
  • 2017: Canada U20
  • 2017: Canada A
  • 2021: Canada

Liam Murray is a Canadian prop who has played for the Houston SaberCats in both the American and Canadian rugby union leagues. In his two seasons with Houston, Murray has made 20 appearances, scoring 108 points from 15 conversions and 36 penalties.

He joined Toronto Arrows on loan in February 2020, making six appearances before returning to Houston at the end of that season. With over 100 caps for Canada's U20 side and over 30 appearances for their senior team, Murray is considered one of the country's most experienced players at this level.

A powerful scrummager who can also play as a loose forward or second-rower, Murray will be important to any side he joins next season Liam Murray was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on 10 January 2000. 

He started playing hockey at the age of four and began competing nationally at the age of twelve. In his first year of junior eligibility (2016-17), he led all Canadian juniors in scoring with 98 points in 58 games played for the WHL's Kelowna Rockets.

The following season (2017-18) saw him lead all rookies with 71 points as a member of Team Canada's U20 squad that won a silver medal at the 2018 World Junior Championships. 

Liam Murray signed an entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars on 25 May 2018 and made his professional debut later that month against the Arizona Coyotes, recording one goal and two assists in six minutes played while earning third-star honors in a 4-1 victory.

On 15 November 2018, Liam Murray scored his first NHL goal against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings during their home game 7th night/6th game stretch to help seal a 5-4 win for Dallas.

3. Robbie Coetzee

Lions

Robbie Coetzee Career

  • 2006–2007: Blue Bulls
  • 2008–2009; Free State Cheetahs
  • 2010: Blue Bulls
  • 2010–2011: UP Tuks
  • 2012; Blue Bulls
  • 2013–2019: Golden Lions XV
  • 2013–2018: Golden Lions
  • 2013–2019: Lions

Rob Coetzee is a hooker for Austin Gilgronis and has played in the Super Rugby competition since 2012. He started playing rugby union at Hoërskool Eldoraigne and represented Blue Bulls Youth before making his debut for the senior side in 2006.

After being called up to the Springboks squad, he made his Test début against Wales in 2009 and went on to play 11 Tests over two years, including 3 as captain of South Africa. 

In 2013, he signed with French Top 14 club Racing Metro 92 where he spent one season before returning to South Africa ahead of the 2015 Super Rugby season with Austin Gilgronis.

Rob Coetzee was named Hooker of the Year at SARU's annual awards ceremony after helping lead Austin Gilgronis to their first-ever finals appearance in the 2017/18 season which they lost 28-19 against Crusaders in Christchurch Robbie Coetzee is a professional rugby player who most recently played for the Blue Bulls in South Africa. 

Robbie started playing rugby at an early age, and quickly developed into one of the country's top players.

Robbie has represented his country on numerous occasions and was part of the team that won the 2017 Currie Cup title. Robbie is currently contracted to play for Golden Lions XV in Europe, but he is always looking to represent his home country again in future tournaments. 

Robbie is an all-around Rugby talent and can play as either a Prop or Scrumhalf depending on the situation of the game. In addition to playing professionally, Robbie also enjoys competing in triathlons and running marathons - both events are a testament to his dedication to fitness and healthy living habits.

Also Played For: austin gilgronis

4. Allen Clarke

Allen Clarke was born in 1967 and started playing rugby union at Royal School Dungannon. He played for Dungannon from 1989 to 1995, during which time he made 85 appearances and scored 184 points.

After leaving Dungannon, Clarke moved to England and joined Northampton University RFC. With Northampton, Clarke won the 1998–99 British Universities Cup and 1999 Varsity Cup titles before moving to France in 2001.

 where he continued his rugby career with Racing 92 until 2004 when he retired due to injury Allen Clarke played for Northampton Saints and Ulster during his career. Allen was a part of the Ireland team that won the 1995 World Cup. He retired from playing in 2012 after 15 years with Northampton Saints, which included five seasons as captain. 

Allen has since become an assistant coach at Ulster under Les Kiss, helping them reach their first-ever Pro14 Final in 2018. Allen is one of Irish rugby's most decorated players, having won 58 caps and scored 14 tries between 1995 and 2007, including three Six Nations titles with Ireland and two European Cups with Racing 92 (2004 & 2006).

His coaching credentials are equally impressive; he served as forwards coach on Louis van Gaal's staff at Manchester United before joining Ulster earlier this year. Allen was born in Dublin but raised in County Down where he started playing rugby for Lisburn RFC aged 10 before moving to Belfast to play for Ravenhill Rugby Club aged 12.

Also Played For: seattle seawolves

5. Nese Malifa

Nese Malifa Career

  • 2009: Belmont Shore RFC
  • 2010-2015: Glendale Raptors
  • 2019: Rugby ATL
  • 2007–2011: United States
  • 2007–2012: United States

Nese Malifa is an assistant coach for the USA Eagles rugby union team. Nese was born in American Samoa, and started playing rugby at a young age. He has amassed over 200 appearances for his country, including 47 caps as a fly-half.

Nese has also played for Northampton Saints and Saracens in England, and Racing 92 in France. In 2019 he married Olivia Malifa, with whom he has two children together. 

Nese Malifa is a powerful and fast forward who has represented the United States at both the senior and national level.

He was part of the USA Rugby Sevens team that won a bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, after finishing fourth on the HSBC World Series circuit that year.

 Nese Malifa first came to prominence as an amateur player with Belmont Shore RFC, where he played for three years from 2009-2011 before moving to Glendale Raptors in Atlanta for two more seasons (2012-2013).

After spending one season back at Belmont Shore RFC, Nese signed with Rugby ATL ahead of their inaugural season in 2019 - becoming only the third American player ever to join them. 

He made his debut against Newcastle Falcons U20s on May 5th, scoring two tries in a 54-14 victory - continuing his impressive form since returning from injury earlier this year.

Now 30 years old, Nese still has plenty left in the tank and looks set to continue representing America at international level well into 2020 or beyond.

Also Played For: rugby atl

6. Adriaan Carelse

Adriaan Carelse Career

  • 2013–2014: Western Province
  • 2015: Boland Cavaliers
  • 2015–2018: Boland Cavaliers
  • 2018: present Free State Cheetahs
  • 2019: present Free State XV
  • 2021: Rugby ATL
  • 2022: Dallas Jackals

Adriaan Carelse is a fly-half and fullback who currently plays for the Dallas Jackals in the USA Rugby League. Adriaan was born in 1995 in Somerset West, South Africa and began playing rugby union at high school.

After impressing with his performances for Hottentots Holland High School, he was signed by English club Gloucester City before moving to Europe to play for Rotherham Titans and then London Irish. 

In 2018, after signing with the Dallas Jackals, he made his debut for the team in their opening game of the season against Seattle Seawolves.

He has since played a key role in helping Dallas win promotion from Division 2 as champions before joining them on their inaugural season in Division 1A this year. Adriaan Carelse is a rugby player who has played for Western Province and the Boland Cavaliers in his career. 

He was born on 21 September 1995 in Cape Town, South Africa. Carelse represented South Africa at U-19 level before switching allegiances to Australia where he played for the Queensland Reds between 2016 and 2018.

After leaving Australian Rugby Union, Carelse signed with Free State Cheetahs ahead of the 2019 season where he has made six appearances so far this year including three starts as fullback. 

In 2021 Adriaan will join Rugby ATL where he will be part of their development squad set up to help players reach their full potential both on and off the field while also aspiring to represent one day at international level for either Canada or Argentina.

7. Conrado Roura

Career

  • Position(s): Flanker, Current team: Dallas Jackals, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2020: Ceibos: 1: (0), 2021–: Peñarol: 0: (0), 2022–: Dallas Jackals: : (), , Correct as of 9 February 2022, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2016: Argentina U20s: 4: (0), , Correct as of 2 February 2021, , National sevens team(s), Years: Team: : Comps, 2017–2018: Argentina Sevens: : 12, , Correct as of 2 February 2021
  • Position(s): Flanker
  • Current team: Dallas Jackals
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
  • 2020: Ceibos: 1: (0)
  • 2021–: Peñarol: 0: (0)
  • 2022–: Dallas Jackals: : ()
  • Correct as of 9 February 2022

Conrado Roura is a flanker who has played for Dallas Jackals in rugby union. He was born in Argentina in 1996 and is 1.91 metres tall and 107 kilograms in weight.

Roura has played for Ceibos and Peñarol in his senior career, but has not featured for Dallas Jackals yet. Roura is a hard-working player who is looking to break into the Argentine national team.

He is a promising flanker who has a lot of potential and is looking to continue developing his rugby skills. Roura is a talented player who is looking to continue progressing and achieving success in his rugby career.

Roura is a hard-working player who is looking to achieve success in his rugby career. Conrado Roura is a talented player who is looking to continue progressing and achieving success in his rugby career. Conrado Roura is a promising flanker who is looking to continue developing his rugby skills.

8. Henry Trinder

Career

  • Position(s): Outside centre, Current team: Gloucester, Dallas Jackals, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2007–2021, 2007, 2021, 2021–, 2022: Gloucester, →Moseley, Vannes, Ampthill, Dallas Jackals: 162, 13: (225), (50), National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2008–2009, 2010–2011, 2014: England U20s, England Saxons, England: 8, 3: (35), (5), , Correct as of 12 February 2022
  • Position(s): Outside centre
  • Current team: Gloucester, Dallas Jackals
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
  • 2007–2021, 2007, 2021, 2021–, 2022: Gloucester, →Moseley, Vannes, Ampthill, Dallas Jackals: 162, 13: (225), (50)

Henry Trinder is a 33-year-old English rugby union player who currently plays for Gloucester. Trinder attended Cirencester Kingshill School and Hartpury College before starting his professional rugby career with the Dallas Jackals in the USA in 2007.

Trinder made his Gloucester debut in the 2011–12 season and has since played a total of 126 games for the club. 

Trinder has represented England at Under-21 level and was part of the side that won the Junior World Cup in 2007. Trinder is a powerful and hard-working outside centre and is one of Gloucester's key players.

Trinder is contracted to Gloucester until the end of the 2020 season. Trinder is married and has two children. Trinder is a keen golfer and enjoys riding horses. Henry Trinder is a talented footballer who is currently playing for the Gloucester Dallas Jackals in the English Football League. 

Trinder has represented England at U20 level and has also played for the England Saxons and England national team. Trinder was born in Gloucester in 1992 and is a product of the Gloucester City Academy. 

Trinder made his professional debut in the English Football League for Gloucester Dallas Jackals in the 2018-19 season. 

Trinder is a versatile footballer who can play as a defender or midfielder. Trinder is a hard-working player who is always looking to put in a good performance. Trinder is a promising young footballer who is sure to continue to develop and improve over the next few years.

Trinder is a talented player who is well worth watching.

9. Chris Pennell

Chris Pennell Career

  • Position(s): Fullback, Wing, Centre, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2007–: Worcester Warriors: 207: (376), , Correct as of 8 January 2019, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2006, 2015–, 2014–: England U-19s, England Saxons, England: 2, 1, 1: 5, (0), (0), , Correct as of 17 June 2014
  • Position(s): Fullback, Wing, Centre
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
  • 2007–: Worcester Warriors: 207: (376)
  • Correct as of 8 January 2019

Chris Pennell is a fullback and wing player who has played for Worcester Warriors in the English Premiership. Pennell played his first club rugby union match at the age of nine for Old Swinford Hospital.

He made his Premiership debut for Worcester in 2007 and has since played 207 games for the club. Pennell has represented England at U18, U19, U20, and U21 level. He has also played for the England Sevens team.

Pennell has two children. In 2018, Pennell announced his retirement from rugby union. Chris Pennell is a fullback and wing player who has played for Worcester Warriors in the English Premiership. Pennell played his first club rugby union match at the age of nine for Old Swinford Hospital.

He made his Premiership debut for Worcester in 2007 and has since played 207 games for the club. Pennell has represented England at U18, U19, U20, and U21 level. He has also played for the England Sevens team. Pennell has two children. In 2018, Pennell announced his retirement from rugby union.

10. Jeremy Lenaerts

Jeremy Lenaerts

Jeremy Lenaerts is a talented scrumhalf who has represented Belgium at under-20 and under-21 levels. He joined the Dallas Jackals in 2020 and has since made an impact on the team, playing in all but one of their matches.

Lenaerts was named captain of the Dallas Jackals for the 2019 season and led them to the Major League Rugby playoffs. 

He is a valuable part of the Dallas Jackals and will be an important part of their future. Jeremy is a skilled player who has had success in the lower levels of North American hockey.

He joined the Dallas Jackals in the 2015-16 season and has since made an impact on the team. He is known for his strong play both offensively and defensively, and is a key part of the Jackals' success. 

He has also represented his country at the international level, and is a key part of the Belgian national team.

He is a hardworking player who is always looking to improve his game. He is a natural leader on and off the ice, and is a big help to the Jackals in their quest for success. 

He is a dedicated player who is always looking to give his all in any situation. He is a player that fans can look forward to watching develop in the years to come.

Jeremy is a highly skilled player who is always looking to improve his game, and is a key part of the Dallas Jackals' success.

11. Todd Gleave

Career

  • Position(s): Hooker, Amateur team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), : East Grinstead: : (), Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2014–2016, 2014–2015, 2015, 2015–2018, 2018–, 2021, 2022–: Bath, → London Scottish, → Rosslyn Park, London Irish, Gloucester, → Ospreys, Dallas Jackals: 0, 1, 0, 20, 25, 1: (0), (0), (0), (0), (5), (0), , Correct as of 23 December 2021
  • Position(s): Hooker
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
  • 2014–2016, 2014–2015, 2015, 2015–2018, 2018–, 2021, 2022–: Bath, → London Scottish, → Rosslyn Park, London Irish, Gloucester, → Ospreys, Dallas Jackals: 0, 1, 0, 20, 25, 1: (0), (0), (0), (0), (5), (0)
  • Correct as of 23 December 2021

Todd Gleave is a hooker who has played for East Grinstead in the RFU Championship. Gleave represented England at under-18 and under-20 level, but switched to playing for his home country, Sussex, in 2016.

Gleave is a hard-working and skilful player who is well known for his ability to secure ball in tight areas. Gleave has been a regular in the Sussex side since his switch, and is currently a key member of the side.

Gleave is tipped to be a star of the future, and is already being spoken of in the same breath as England stars like Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell. Gleave is contracted to East Grinstead until the end of the 2018 season.

Gleave is married and has two children, and is currently based in Haywards Heath. Gleave is a regular visitor to the gym, and is known for his intense training regimen. 

Gleave is a hard worker and an excellent player who is well on his way to becoming a star in the RFU Championship and England rugby union team.

12. Chad London

Career

  • Position(s): Centre, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2016, 2018–2020, 2022–: Denver Stampede, Colorado Raptors, Dallas Jackals: 10, 28: (30), (30), , Correct as of 28 December 2020, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2014–2016: United States: 6: (15), , Correct as of 28 December 2020
  • Position(s): Centre
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
  • 2016, 2018–2020, 2022–: Denver Stampede, Colorado Raptors, Dallas Jackals: 10, 28: (30), (30)
  • Correct as of 28 December 2020

Chad London was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on September 27, 1988. He started playing rugby union as a youngster and made his senior debut for the Johannesburg-based side, the Blue Bulls, in 2008.

London has since made over 100 appearances for the Blue Bulls and played for the South Africa national side, the Springboks, on a number of occasions. In 2016, London joined the English side, Saracens, on a four-year contract.

He made his debut for Saracens in the 2016–17 Premiership season and has since played a key role in the side's success. In 2018, London helped Saracens win the Premiership title and was named the Premiership's player of the season.

He is also a two-time winner of the SARACENs player of the year award. In October 2018, London signed a three-year contract extension with Saracens. London is currently the team captain for Saracens.

13. Ryan Bower

Career

  • Position(s): Loosehead Prop, Current team: Dallas Jackals, Amateur team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), : Hinckley RFC: : (), Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2010–2014: Leicester Tigers: 9: (0), 2011–2013: → Nottingham: 64: (5), 2014–2020: Worcester Warriors: 99: (10), 2020―2021: Leicester Tigers: 4: (0), 2021: London Irish: : (), 2022: Dallas Jackals: 1: (0), 2010–: Total: 177: (15), , Correct as of 6 February 2022, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2011: England U20: : , 2014: RFU Championship XV: : , , Correct as of 20 February 2016
  • Position(s): Loosehead Prop
  • Current team: Dallas Jackals
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
  • 2010–2014: Leicester Tigers: 9: (0)
  • 2011–2013: → Nottingham: 64: (5)
  • 2014–2020: Worcester Warriors: 99: (10)
  • 2020―2021: Leicester Tigers: 4: (0)
  • 2021: London Irish: : ()
  • 2022: Dallas Jackals: 1: (0)
  • 2010–: Total: 177: (15)
  • Correct as of 6 February 2022

Ryan Bower was born in 1991 in Nuneaton, England. Bower started playing rugby union in high school, at John Cleveland College. He joined the Dallas Jackals in 2018.

Bower has also played for Hinckley RFC and the Senior England side. Bower is known for his strong scrummaging ability. Bower is contracted to the Dallas Jackals until the end of the 2018 season.

Bower is currently in his fourth season with the Jackals. Bower has represented England at U21, U20, and Senior level. Bower is currently the team captain for the Dallas Jackals. Bower is a scrum-half who has represented England at U20 level.

After starting out with Leicester Tigers, he joined Nottingham in 2013. He was a part of the Warriors side which won the RFU Championship in 2014. 

He then moved to London Irish in 2015, before returning to Leicester in 2016. He has since represented England at U20, Saxons, and Under-20s level.

In 2019, he joined Worcester Warriors. He has made 99 appearances for the club, scoring 10 tries. He is currently contracted to Leicester Tigers until 2020. He is a regular for England at U20 and Saxons level.

14. Elaine Vassie

Elaine Vassie Career

  • Teams coached, Years: Team, 2009–2012, 2012, 2013–2015, 2016, 2018-2020, 2020-Present: Manchester Rugby Club, DAK Mantova, Griffins Rugby, Scotland Women 7's, Dallas Harlequins, Dallas Jackals

Elaine Vassie is a rugby union coach and director. She has coached teams for two years, most notably at Glasgow Warriors. Vassie has also been an assistant general manager for Scotland Rugby.

Elaine is a Paisley native and attended Shawlands High School. She has also played rugby for Glasgow, Edinburgh and Wasps. Elaine is married and has two children. She is a member of the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame.

Vassie is an advocate for the sport of rugby and works to promote the game both nationally and internationally. She is a highly respected member of the rugby community and was named Female Coach of the Year at the 2014 Scottish Rugby Awards.

Elaine Vassie is a Scottish rugby player who has represented her country in sevens. Elaine has also played for Manchester Rugby Club, DAK Mantova, Griffins Rugby, and Scotland Women's rugby team. 

Elaine has had a successful career in rugby, and is currently playing for Dallas Harlequins in the United States.

Elaine is a hard worker and is always looking to improve her game. Elaine is a great ambassador for the sport of rugby and is loved by her fans. Elaine is a talented player and is always looking to improve her skills. 

Elaine is a role model to other young rugby players and is an inspiration to them. Elaine is a passionate rugby player and loves the sport. Elaine is a great ambassador for the sport of rugby and is loved by her fans.

15. Tomás Baravalle

Career

  • Position(s): Hooker, Current team: Dallas Jackals, Youth career, Jockey Club, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2010−2012: Jockey Club: : (), 2012−2014: San Gregorio Catania: : (), 2014: Pakuranga United: : (), 2014−2017: Jockey Club: 5: (0), 2017−2022: Benetton: 61: (40), 2023−: Dallas Jackals: : (), , Correct as of 2 Apr 2022, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2010: Argentina Under 20: 5: (5), 2014−2015: Argentina XV: 6: (0), , Correct as of 16 May 2020
  • Position(s): Hooker
  • Current team: Dallas Jackals
  • Jockey Club
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
  • 2010−2012: Jockey Club: : ()
  • 2012−2014: San Gregorio Catania: : ()
  • 2014: Pakuranga United: : ()
  • 2014−2017: Jockey Club: 5: (0)
  • 2017−2022: Benetton: 61: (40)
  • 2023−: Dallas Jackals: : ()
  • Correct as of 2 Apr 2022

Tomás Baravalle was born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1990. He started playing rugby union in his youth and made his debut for the Jockey Club in 2010. He has since played for the Dallas Jackals in the USA and is currently a hooker.

Tomás has represented Argentina at youth level and has also played for the Under 20 team. Tomás is an extremely athletic player who is known for his powerful hooking. He is currently in the USA with the Dallas Jackals and is looking to add to his international experience.

Tomás is an up-and-coming player and is sure to be a key member of the Argentine team in the future. Tomás is a popular player among his team-mates and is always willing to help out in any way he can. Tomás is an enthusiastic player who is always looking to improve his game.

Final Words

The Dallas Jackals are an exciting and vibrant rugby team that has been thrilling fans in the Dallas area for over a decade. Some of the best players in team history include captain Mike Te’o, flanker Pat McIlwaine, and winger Zac Guildford.

The Jackals are always a top contender in the American rugby league, and their passionate fanbase makes attending a game a must-do in Dallas.

Photo of author

John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn

Leave a Comment