World-Class Argentine Coach and Former National Player, Mario Ledesma, Joins Dallas Jackals Coaching Staff

Dallas Jackals Rugby is excited to announce Mario Ledesma has joined the Coaching Staff as Assistant Coach and Consultant. Ledesma joins the staff with over three decades of coaching and playing internationally at the highest levels. 

Ledesma’s coaching career is highlighted by his time with two prominent National Teams. Joining the Argentina Pumas in 2018 as Head Coach, he took the side to the 2019 World Cup test matches followed by the 2020 Rugby Championship. Formerly, Ledesma was Forwards Coach for Australia’s National team where he reshaped the Wallabies set-piece ahead of advancing to the 2015 World Cup. 

“It’s a very exciting time to be joining the Dallas Jackals,” said Ledesma. “I’m proud to be a part of this journey and look forward to helping develop an identity of a successful culture along with habits and discipline of a high performance environment with an underlying growth mindset.”

In 2011, Ledesma started his coaching career in France’s top league, Top 14, as Forwards Coach for Stade Français and later Montpellier. Before joining Australia’s Wallabies, he consulted on NSW Waratahs scrum making considerable strides quickly. 

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ledesma first represented his country in 1992 on the U19 squad. He went on to be a key piece of Argentina’s mens side from 1996 to 2011 making 84 appearances including starting every match of their 1999 World Cup campaign. Concurrent with competing for the Pumas, Ledesma played for Clermont Auvergne making 179 appearances over six seasons winning the 2007 European Challenge Cup and the 2010 Top 14 Championship. 

“We are so excited to have a highly respected and world-class coach such as Mario joining us,” said Santi Sodini, Jackals GM. “Mario brings a wealth of knowledge and success as a player and as a coach and will surely positively affect all aspects of the team.” 

Ledesma joins Jackals Head Coach Agustin Cavalieri and GM Santi Sodini in shaping and leading the squad for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. Stay tuned for further coaching staff announcements. 

Ledesma continued, “To the fans, we look forward to bringing together a team that will make you proud, that makes you excited to come to matches, and that is integrated into the community. You all will be a big part of our identity and our culture and we look forward to facing the journey and challenges ahead together.” 

Dallas Jackals are officially taking deposits for 2023 Season Tickets. Head to dallasjackals.com for more info. 

###

Media Contacts:

Kelsey Armand

972.835.2434

karmand@dallasjackals.com

Lori Barber

214.906.6633

lorib@lux214.com

###

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 in 2022 played their inaugural season at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington. 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 in 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 Fox Sports 1 and Fox  Sports 2, among other national and local market platforms. Select matches are available to stream live in  North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available to stream live on The Rugby Network  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 www.MajorLeague.Rugby.