Former Rugby ATL and Free State Cheetah Adriaan Carelse Comes to Dallas

The Dallas Jackals are pleased to announce Adriaan Carelse comes to Dallas through trade from Rugby ATL for salary cap! Carelse previously competed for Rugby ATL and the Toyota Cheetahs in the Pro14 and Currie Cup. 

Carelse grew up in Sir Lowry’s Pass, a small town outside of Somerset West in Cape Town, South Africa. His rugby career started at Hottentots Holland High School where he went on to represent on the U18 and U19 Western Province squads. He aided his side to winning the 2014 U19 Provincial Championship.

Continuing to build his career, Carelse attended the Boland Cavaliers Rugby Academy and was selected to join the senior squad. Competing in the Currie Cup qualification tournament, Carelse went on to make over 50 appearances with 63 points scored with the Cavaliers. 

In 2018 Carelse obtained a contract with the Toyota Free State Cheetahs, the multi-Currie Cup Champions, in the capital city of Free State, Bloemfontein. He went on to make four appearances with the Cheetahs and six appearances with the Free State XV side. 

Carelse made the move to the US joining fellow Major League Rugby side Rugby ATL. Rugby ATL went on to the 2021 MLR Championship Final, becoming league runner ups to the LA side. 

Carelse said, “I am amped to be a part of the process wherein we can introduce fans to an exciting brand of rugby, and further add my value to the team in any aspect possible.”

He continued, “I am eager to work under the Jackals coaching staff, and experience their knowledge and expertise of the game, to better myself as an overall player.”

Jackals GM Elaine Vassie said, “Really pleased to work with ATL to be able to trade to secure Adriaan as we head into 2022. Adriaan’s desire to play as a ball in hand 10 and create/manipulate to make opportunities, fits so well with the Jackal brand. His focus on continual improvement to serve the team really stood out. Very much looking forward to welcoming him to Dallas!”

Welcome to the Pack Adriaan!

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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.