Dallas Jackals Name, Major League Rugby’s Newest Expansion Team, Name Accomplished Italian Coach Argentine Agustin Cavalieri as Head Coach

The Dallas Jackals, Major League Rugby’s newest expansion team, announce accomplished Italian coach Argentine Agustin Cavalieri as head coach. Cavalieri brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience from Argentina and Italy and his experiences across many levels of the game in Italy combined with a desire to develop players garners Cavalieri well–equipped to lead the Jackals in the upcoming 2023 MLR season.

Cavalieri joins the Jackals with experience as the U20 Italian National team Forwards’ Coach. Earlier this year, the side competed in the U20 Six Nations displaying their best efforts historically earning wins against three top tier nations (England, Scotland, and Wales), a feat never done before by another nation. Cavalieri also lead the side to a successful 2022 Summer Series finishing third. Prior, Cavalieri served on the U18 National team coaching staff from 2017-2020. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to have been given this opportunity with the Dallas Jackals,” said Cavalieri. “The challenge ahead is an exciting one and I cannot wait to start working with everyone involved. I would like to thank the Italian Rugby Federation for their years of commitment to me. It was an honor to work closely with the players, coaches, and fans.”

With time spent leading two Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) clubs, Cavalieri has experience coaching a wide range of athletes towards their top potential. Known as having a player centric approach, Cavalieri has a history of developing players while receiving positive results on the pitch.

“I am excited to welcome Agustin and his family to the Jackals,” said Santiago Sodini, Jackals General Manager. “Agustin brings the perfect combination of focus on player development while still making an impact on the pitch with results. He will be a great asset to building and leading the team in the 2023 season.”

From the same riverside city as GM Sodini, Cavalieri was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina. Selected to represent his country on the U18 Argentina side, he went on to compete in the 2000 and 2001 U19 Rugby World Cup followed by three U21 World Cups. He made the move to Europe representing Italy A and played with various clubs including Arras (Federal 1, France), Limoges (Pro D2, France) and four Italian Top 10/European Challenge Cup sides L’Aquila, Petrarca Padova, I Cavaleiri Prato, and Rugby Calvisano. 

During his time with Rugby Calvisano from 2013 to 2019, Cavalieri aided the side as player and Forwards/Set Piece Coach. The club won four Top 12 Championships during his tenure. 

Cavalieri has dual citizenship in Argentina and Italy and is fluent in Spanish, Italian, English, and French. 

Alongside Sodini, Cavalieri aided in drafting the 2022 MLR Collegiate Draft. The duo will also continue discussions with current Jackals players and staff to build the squad for the 2023 season. 

To learn more about the Dallas Jackals schedule, season tickets, and league updates, visit dallasjackals.com.

Media Contacts:

Kelsey Armand

972.835.2434

karmand@dallasjackals.com

Lori Barber

214.906.6633

lorib@lux214.com

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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 in 2022 played their inaugural season at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington. 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 in 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 Fox Sports 1 and Fox  Sports 2, among other national and local market platforms. Select matches are available to stream live in  North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available to stream live on The Rugby Network  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 www.MajorLeague.Rugby.