Former MLR Draftee Mike Matarazzo Signs With Dallas

The Dallas Jackals are happy to announce Michael Matarazzo has signed for the 2022 Inaugural Season! Matarazzo was drafted 8th overall by Rugby ATL in the 2020 MLR Collegiate Draft and looks to expand his career in Dallas. 

Matarazzo, 23, began playing rugby as a freshman at University of Notre Dame. Quickly becoming a stand out, he was named Collegiate All-American in 2017, just his second year playing rugby. Matarazzo went on and captained Notre Dame his junior and senior year. 

Following graduation, he was selected #8 overall in the first-ever 2020 MLR Collegiate Draft by Rugby ATL. Matarazzo made his MLR debut in the final week of 2021 play against the New England Free Jacks. Just recently, he was selected to compete on the U23 7s National team at Rugbytown 7s. 

Growing up in Staten Island, New York, Matarazzo was a multi-sport athlete playing basketball and baseball at Monsignor Farrell High School. He made a name for himself on the diamond being awarded MVP of the NYC Baseball All-Star Game. Matarazzo has a younger sister who has followed in his footsteps as a Junior at Notre Dame.

With strong roots in New York and Texas being one of the states he’s never visited, Matarrazo looks forward to experiencing the Texas culture and all it has to offer. He says, “Everyone knows how passionate Dallas sports fans are and I am excited to witness that passion firsthand at Choctaw Stadium.” 

Matarazzo says one of the most exciting things about joining Dallas in the first year, “is the opportunity to build a culture from the ground up. We will be able to establish our own standards to lead Dallas into a winning rugby future.” He continued, “I believe the Jackals are building a special program in year one. The Jackals leadership values the development of young players and it will be a place I can showcase my growth as a rugby player.”

Welcome to the Pack Michael!

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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.