Sam Golla Named Rookie of the Year Presented by Sportsbreaks.com

ARLINGTON, TX – Major League Rugby announced Sam Golla as the 2023 Sportsbreaks.com Rookie of the Year earlier today. The budding superstar was selected first overall in the 2022 MLR Collegiate Draft and is expected to be a building block for the Dallas Jackals after signing a three-year contract extension on May 15. The Rookie of the Year award is presented by Sportsbreaks.com.

The forward shined in the his first season in the MLR. Anchoring the second row, Golla bested all rookies in nearly every category, including minutes played and ball carries. He logged 1,234 minutes and posted 98 carries and ranked fifth among all players in tackles with 213. The Denver, CO native appeared in every match and recorded 17 points on three tries. He punched in a critical try in the franchise’s first victory and provided leadership in the locker room.

Dallas Jackals General Manager Santiago Sodini said, “Sam earned this honor. He is one of the most talented and hardest working players I’ve ever known. His commitment to excellence is unmatched and we expect great things in Sam’s future.” 

The first-year sensation is a perennial star on every team he suits up for. Born in Arlington, TX and raised in Denver, Golla began playing rugby at Denver East High School. He captained the side to a state championship in 2017 as a senior. In college, the towering star excelled at the University of California, Berkeley and captained the Golden Bears in 2021 and 2022. Golla went 27-1 in his senior year and was a finalist for the Rudy Scholz Award in 2022. The honor is annually presented to the best college player in the country.

“I would like to start by saying thank you to my family. They have been my biggest supporters from the start of this rugby journey. To the Jackals coaches, medical team, ownership group, and fans, thank you for all the support and guidance you have provided throughout this season, it has been remarkable. It is a true honor to be recognized for this award by the MLR and Sportsbreaks.com. Go Jackals!” Golla stated. 

The Dallas Jackals are a professional rugby team that plays at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Jackals are members of Major League Rugby. The team has played in Dallas/Fort Worth since 2022. More information is available at www.dallasjackals.com.