Local Kelly “Spike” Kolberg Rejoins as Development Player

 Jackals Development Players are key to building rugby domestically. Following the same training schedule as Jackals players 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.

The Dallas Jackals are pleased to announce Kelly “Spike” Kolberg has rejoined the pack as a Development Player for the 2022 Inaugural Season! Long-time local player for Dallas RFC, Kolberg brings DFW rugby experience to the big stage. 

Kolberg grew up at the rugby pitch watching his dad play for Dallas RFC (DRFC). He began playing at 11 years old, but due to the lack of teams in the area his playing time stopped shortly after. At 16 years old he began playing for the DRFC, which jump-started his rugby career. 

Kolberg went on to play for Texas Rugby Union U19 and USA U19 from 2002-2004, including the 2003 World Championship qualifier. Continuing to build his career, Kolberg played in the IRB U19 World Championship in 2003 and 2004, being selected MVP of the tournament in 2004. Through the years, Kolberg was part of the 2002 and 2003 Texas Select Side, 2003 and 2004 West 15s side, and 2004 and 2007 West 7s. 

Kolberg then made the move to Dunedin, New Zealand. Here, he played for Harbour RFC’s 1st XV side from 2005-2009 with a short break playing for Eagle 7s pool in 2007. Kolberg attended the 15s Eagle XVs camp in 2011 and 2014. 

Kolberg has taken part in a multitude of 7s tournaments including 2010 Havana 7’s in Cuba, Tiger 7s and Republic of Texas at Rugbytown 7s, and tours to the Central Coast 7s in Australia, Shanghai 7s and twice in the Cancun 7s.  

During his time with DRFC from 2001-2021, Kolberg helped the club to many USA 15s Nationals and 7’s nationals. In 2019, Kelly joined the MLR’s Houston SaberCats. 

“It means everything to me,” Kelly said. “It’s a dream opportunity to represent the city that’s always been and always will be my home. I’m beyond excited to join the Jackals and take part in the creation of our club culture.

GM Elaine Vassie said, “So pleased to have Spike joining us as a development player for 2022! Spike is a true competitor who has a passion for the game that shows on and off field. I couldn’t think of a better representative of Dallas and Texas to be with us as we start our inaugural season.”

Kolberg continued, “I’m excited to represent and play for all the local DFW rugby players!”

Welcome to the Pack Spike!

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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.