Irish Native Ned Hodson Joins The Pack

The Dallas Jackals are happy to announce Ned Hodson has signed with the Jackals! Hodson, who is US qualified, has two years of MLR experience with Austin Gilgronis and looks forward to continuing in the MLR in Dallas. 

Growing up in County Cork, Ireland, Hodson, 27, started playing rugby at four years old with Midleton Rugby. He played school aged rugby at Midleton College, captaining the U18s. He continued with the 19s, 20s, and 7s sides before entering the Munster Academy, professional club in Ireland. In 2017, he presented Munster Rugby 7s in the Rugby Europe Grand Prix. 

He went on to attend and play for University College Cork (UCC), earning a Bachelor’s in English and History. Hodson then joined Cork Constitution FC winning the All-Ireland League in 2017. 

Continuing his career, Hodson made his MLR debut in 2018 with the Austin Elite (now Austin Gilgronis). After this first season, he moved to London to attend film school pursuing screenwriting and acting. Hodson returned to the States and Austin for the 2021 MLR season. 

Elaine Vassie, Jackals GM, “Ned has a really nicely rounded skill set that aligns with his desire to be a multi faceted attacking threat. I’m excited to see him able to express himself in the center for us next season!”

While in Dallas, Hodson hopes to go to the rodeo and try out line dancing. On the pitch, he looks to be an integral part of the team saying, “I am most excited to play for the Jackals to do my best to help build an organization from the ground up.” 

Hodson continued, “I hope to bring the lessons I’ve learned over the course of my career and hopefully my experience will be valuable to some of the young lads.” 

Welcome to the Pack Ned!

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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.