Cael Hodgson Joins the Jackals

The Dallas Jackals are happy to announce Center/Wing Cael Hodgson has joined the pack! Drafted 8th overall in the 2021 MLR Collegiate Draft, Hodgson adds to the collegiate talent on the Jackals squad. 

Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, Hodgson started playing rugby at a very young age with the Bangkok Lions. Hodgson moved to Wolverhampton, England at 13 years old and began competing for Dudley Kingswinford. 

He made a jump in his rugby training and joined the Worcester Warrior AASE Academy, a program for 16-18 year olds to maximize players sporting and academic potential. Hodgson also played for Old Halesonians in England.   

Completing high school and attending Nottingham Trent University, he competed with the rugby squad for two years before transferring to rugby powerhouse Lindenwood University in Missouri. 

Hodgson was picked 8th overall in the 2022 MLR Collegiate Draft by the New England Free Jacks. He then joined Jackals #1 draftee Eric Naposki and Lock Mike Matarazzo on the USA Selects squad in the Amercia’s Pacific Challenge in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Born to an American mother and half English/half Scottish father, Hodgson lived is childhood in Bangkok, Thailand and moved to England at 13 years old. He says his favorite memories from his childhood are visiting Hawaii, where is mom is from. 

When asked what he is most excited about in joining the Jackals, “To be a part of the Inaugural Season, hopefully it starts something special here in Dallas. I’m excited to see what I can add to the squad!”

GM Elaine Vassie said, “Having first spoken to Cael ahead of the 2021 draft, we weren’t surprised to see him be picked up in round one by the Free Jacks. He caught our eye as a powerful direct finisher who was keen to keep developing his game, we are excited to now have the opportunity to welcome him to the pack!”

Welcome to the Pack Cael!

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About Dallas Jackals —

The Dallas Jackals are a professional rugby team of Major League Rugby (MLR), the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The Jackals were named as an expansion team in 2020 and will play their inaugural season in 2022. The team’s central mission is to develop domestic talent to a world-class level of play and professionalism while strengthening the high- performance pathway in DFW by supporting the local clubs. Through proactive Community Outreach, the Jackals will exemplify and spread the passion of rugby by inspiring tradition, respect, family, and character on and off the pitch.

About MLR —

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fifth season and represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018, to 13 teams in 2022, featuring 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 2, and ESPN+, among other national and local market platforms. All matches are available on Facebook Live for international fans. MLR prides itself in fostering intense and high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. For more information about MLR, visit MajorLeague.Rugby.