Ryheem Powell Returns as Development Player

The Dallas Jackals are happy to announce prop Ryheem Powell is returning as Development Player for the 2022 season! 

Like many American kids, Powell played football in high school. He and his friends were watching sports highlights when they came across rugby clips. After some research, Powell  found a local club to join and he hasn’t looked back since. 

Powell is from Warminster, PA and attended William Tennent High School. While playing high school football to stay active, Powell played for Doylestown Rugby Club from U15 through U19. He says, “I fell in love with the sport and knew I would pursue it as long as I could.” 

After high school, Powell attended Susquehanna University located in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania where he majored in Early Childhood Education. During his time at Susquehanna, Powell was named Mid Atlantic Conference All-Star in 2017 and was invited to the 2018 Collegiate All-American selection camp.

Powell also had the opportunity to travel to Ireland and New Zealand when he attended the Crusaders International High Performance Unit. Powell also was selected to play on the Philadelphia United Select team in 2020.  

Powell says rugby gave him something to connect with. He continued, “I finally started to become my true self, became more outgoing and all around a more positive person. It’s a community of people who share the same love and respect for one thing, which is to say they are part of the rugby family.” Powell went on, “there seems to be no sport like it.”

Powell comes from a large family where he is the middle of seven kids. Family is actually a huge pull for him coming to Dallas as part of his extended family lives in Texas. He also has a two year old pit bull puppy named King who will accompany him.

Powell said, “It means the world to me to get this opportunity to grow with a new squad, play at a high level, and learn so much more about the game and myself. I felt an instant connection with the Jackals and it seemed like we were aligned with goals and hopes for the organization, myself and those in our communities. I’m excited because I know this will be a place to grow and thrive.”

Jackals GM Elaine Vassie said, “Ryheem’s a really powerful player who’s put a lot of work in over this last year, and I’m pleased we will be welcoming him to Dallas for 2022.”

Welcome back to the Pack Ryheem! 

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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.