Jackals AGM Elaine Vassie Promoted to GM

DALLAS (August 24, 2021) – Dallas Jackals announced today that Elaine Vassie has been promoted to General Manager – Rugby. Previously Jackals’ AGM and Assistant Coach, Vassie has over fifteen years of rugby leadership, operations, and coaching experience highlighted by her time as Director of Rugby & Head Coach of Manchester FC.

Jackals President Scott Sonju said, “Elaine has been an integral part of the Jackals and has done a wonderful job with the ever increasing rugby responsibilities that we’ve entrusted her with.  We’ve been so busy that her title is just now catching up to her responsibilities!”  Sonju also added, “Her determination to build the Jackals with not only great players and coaches, but with outstanding people, is setting up the Jackals for long term success.” 

Vassie has many years of experience building and developing teams. She began her coaching career with Manchester Village Spartans before moving to English Rugby Union in a community/development role. More notably, Vassie was named Head Coach of Manchester FC becoming the first female to hold this position at a National League level. Described by the press as “arguably the hardest job in rugby,” her time with Manchester was riddled with obstacles, but her focus on player development led to club growth and success. 

Vassie continued her career with a move to the US and joining the Dallas Griffins where she was selected for the 2014-2015 Texas Select side coaching staff. Returning to the UK in 2015, Vassie joined the management team of Scotland Women for the Six Nations campaign followed by being named Assistant Coach of the Scotland Women’s 7s (European Women’s Trophy series).

Prior to joining the Jackals staff in 2020, Vassie was Director of Rugby and Men’s Head Coach at Dallas Harlequins RFC, who were named D1 Affiliates of the Dallas Jackals. Her role in forging the relationships with Dallas Harlequins and Dallas RFC has been instrumental in extending the performance pathway for domestic players. Vassie’s focus on developing domestic talent demonstrates her desire to grow the game domestically and locally. 

Heading into the Jackals 2022 Inaugural MLR Season, Vassie will spearhead player recruitment (including the recent MLR draft), building the coaching staff, structuring the high performance pathway, and rugby community involvement strategy. 

Join us in congratulating Elaine Vassie! 

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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.