Canadian Dewald Kotze Joins the Jackals

The Dallas Jackals are pleased to announce Dewald “Dewy” Kotze has signed with the Jackals! The Canadian National team prospect looks to continue to develop his career in Dallas. 

Originally from South Africa, Kotze moved to Canada when he was 14 and started playing for Alberta Rugby. He then joined Prairie Wolf Pack where he worked his way up to the U19 Wolfpack team, which represents three provinces in the Canadian National Championship. Kotze soon joined the Wolf Pack’s men’s side and later competed for Gold RFC, an elite men’s club. 

Kotze, 24, was elected to represent Canada on the U20 where he assisted the team in beating USA. He then travelled with the team to Uruguay for the 2017 Junior World Championship. 

In 2019, Kotze joined the Pacific Pride, the Canadian National team development program, where he has been training and honing his skills since. Kotze was selected to be a part of the 40-man extended squad for the men’s national team in June 2021. 

Kotze looks forward to entering the MLR and continuing his rugby career. “I really look forward to joining this new team that wants to play a fast and entertaining style of rugby,” Kotze said. 

He continued, “This opportunity is absolutely huge for me. Playing professional rugby has been a goal of mine since I was young and I’m very excited that I can join the MLR and keep developing in my career.”

When asked about Dallas, Kotze said, “I’m most excited for the culture in Dallas, especially the sports and food. I will definitely be going to a couple of Mavs and Cowboys games.”

GM Elaine Vassie said, “Dewey’s an exciting young hooker with experience at U20s for Canada as well as featuring in the 40-man wider squad this season. Mobile around the park and with a good all round skill set, he’s anticipating a real opportunity to be supported in accelerating his growth coming to Dallas!”

Welcome to the Pack Dewy!

Join the Pack today with Season Tickets! Learn more here

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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.