Jackals Name Two Additional Development Players

Jackals Development Players are key to building rugby domestically. Training full time with the Jackals and placement with local clubs to gain game experience, the Developmental Players will have the opportunity to improve to MLR level of play as part of our high performance pathway.

Calvin Gentry

Calvin was born and raised in Memphis, TN where he attended Power Center Academy (PCA) High School. Growing up in a tough part of town, Calvin credits rugby for saving his life.

As part of Memphis Inner City Rugby (MICR), Calvin played 8-man and was named captain and two-time MVP at PCA Rugby Club. Calvin proved himself on the pitch and was selected to compete with the Tennessee All-Star Tri-Stars 15s team three times from 2013-2016. He went on to compete in Las Vegas with the Tri-Stars 7s squad in 2015. 

While with the Tri-Stars, his coach encouraged him to try out for the USA Rugby South U19 side. Calvin went on to represent the US playing center 2014-2016 and was named MVP of the squad. In 2016, he was named to the Junior All-American team competing for the USA U19 select side versas Canada. Next, Calvin returned to Las Vegas when he was selected for the 7s Atavus side, a club based in Seattle, WA. 

Before heading off to college at Arkansas State University, Calvin had another opportunity to be an ambassador for MICR. Calvin starred, alongside MICR founder Shane Young, in The Rugby Boys of Memphis, an award winning film in the Tribeca Film Festival. The film touches on the immense impact rugby had on Calvin’s life and can be found on Amazon Prime. 

At Arkansas State Calvin proved himself playing 8-man, center, and wing and was named to the Collegiate All-American team. Before earning his Associates in 2019, Calvin played with Tiger Rugby 7s in Dallas in 2018. Calvin then transferred to University of Memphis to continue his career and education. He was once again named to the Collegiate All-American team in 2019. 

Calvin currently competes with the Memphis Tigers Rugby Club, a collegiate club, in which he was named MVP two years ago. In 2019, Calvin travelled to London on an invite from the Harlequins Rugby Foundation to train for a day with the squad and speak at a charity event. 

Calvin says, “Knowing that I’ll be going to a team that cares about me as a player and as a person, means a lot.” He continued, “I’m excited about playing professional rugby for the Jackals because they’ve shown to be a great organization, with great management, in a perfect location.” Growing up in the South, Calvin is excited to be in a culture he can relate to. “I’m looking forward to watching the Dallas Cowboys win a few games in their Dome and Luka Doncic continue to grow as a NBA Superstar with the Mavs.” Welcome to the pack Calvin!

Patrick Medina

Patrick began playing rugby at a young age after following in his father’s footsteps. He says, “Now I play because of my love and enjoyment of the sport, but making my father proud is always a plus.”

His father, Rick Medina, coached Patrick through high school at Lake Travis High School in Austin, TX. Alongside his brother Nic, Patrick helped the Lake Travis club to the Texas High School Rugby Division 2 Championships. Patrick was named Texas High School Back of the Year. 

After high school, Patrick continued his rugby career in Cork, Ireland playing for Dolphin RFC for the 2017 season. Following this, Patrick returned to the states where he competed in the 2018 College All-Star game and was awarded Player of the Match. 

Patrick then joined the Austin Blacks squad. With the D1 Blacks, he competed in two National Championship semi-finals and one National Championship final. He is often seen as a leading try scorer and kicker and was named Rookie of the Year his first season with the squad. Patrick went on to compete with the U20 USA team in 2018 to qualify for the U20 World Trophy. 

Patrick says, “I’m excited to be a Jackals for many reasons, but the biggest is to be a part of this brand new team and help out in providing some clean, fast pace, grit rugby.” He continued that he truly enjoyed the recruitment process and is excited to join the group of guys the coaching staff has put together.

“I’ve lived in Austin my whole life, so I know Dallas pretty well. I’ve always wanted to give it a shot and move up there. ” Patrick said. Welcome to the pack Patrick!

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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 2021. 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 fourth season and represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018, to 13 teams in 2021, 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.