Seasoned MLR Player Jeremy Lenaerts Signs With The Jackals

The Dallas Jackals are excited to announce the signing of Jeremy Lenaerts for the 2022 Season! Standing 6’4” and weighing in at 260 lbs, Lenaerts is a US Qualified texas-sized lock made for the emphatic Dallas crowds. 

Born in Ghent, Belgium, Lenaerts, 28, begen playing at 9 years old with Gent RFC. After 7 years with the club, he began playing for Lille Métropole Rugby Club. Lenaerts was selected to the U17 and U18 Belgium national sides in 2009 and competed in the FIRA European Championship in Treviso, Italy. The following two years he represented Belgium again on the U19 squad. 

After graduating high school, College Paters Jozefieten, Lenaerts joined the academy of Rugby Club Toulonnais, European Champions. He then made his professional debut with the Racing Club Narbonne Méditerranée, a french club who competed in Pro D2, where he assisted the club in winning the championship.

Next, Lenaerts made the move to the US and attended Central Washington University (CWU) earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Lenaerts was named an All-American Honorable Mention in the 15’-16’ season before being named  a member of the 2017 AIG Collegiate All-American squad where he played as a starter in their second row against Oxford University. During the Spring of ‘16, he helped CWU to Varsity Cup Semi-Finals.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Lenaerts made the move to the MLR. Lenaerts became a member of the Seattle Seawolves in 2017, where he played in 25 games over his 3 seasons with the team. He won two championships with the team, both unforgettable moments.  

Following his successful reign with the Seawolves, Lenaerts was signed by the Houston SaberCats for the 2021 season.

Elaine Vassie, Jackals GM, said, “As a CWU grad, who’s featured across the 4 years of MLR so far, Jeremy brings a work ethic and focus we are excited to have as part of our inaugural Jackals team.”

Lenaerts has one older brother and a German Shepherd named Bakkies (named after South African rugby legend Bakkies Botha). He enjoys cooking healthy meals to fuel himself and share with others. In the off season, Lenaerts practices real estate and says, “it’s my second passion after rugby and an exciting industry where I see myself growing further after my pro rugby career.”

Lenaerts said, “I’m excited to have the opportunity to be part of a new franchise within the MLR. The management has a clear strategy of what kind of game they expect us to play and I look forward to adding my personal value to the team. The Metroplex is an exciting place to be a professional athlete, let’s get after it!”

Once in Dallas, Lenaerts looks forward to exploring the area and connecting with locals. “I love living in the US and it can’t get any more American than playing PRO rugby in Texas! I’m excited to try new food places, maybe get a nice Texas steak, and maybe catch a rodeo.”

Welcome to The Pack Jeremy!

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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.