Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Dallas Jackals have announced that General Manager Elaine Vassie is departing the club with immediate effect. As acting Head Coach in addition to her GM role, Vassie is the first coaching change of the Major League Rugby off-season.
A member of the organization since its inception, Vassie was initially an Assistant GM but was promoted to the lead role in August of 2021. In doing so she became the first female GM in Major League Rugby. Vassie then stood in as Head Coach when visa delays prompted the club to terminate their agreement with Australia-based Michael Hodge.
The club faced numerous challenges during the season including an off-field incident that left some senior players injured. Former Wales prop Aaron Jarvis arrived to coach the forwards but the club would finish their inaugural campaign at the bottom of the table with the second winless season in MLR history.
A statement from the Jackals reads as follows:
“Elaine has been an integral part of the Jackals from the beginning and made many valuable contributions during her tenure. She was instrumental in recruiting the domestic and international talent that created a strong culture, while working to change the landscape of the rugby pathway in the US.
“The Jackals thank Elaine for her dedication, commitment to player welfare, focus on club culture, and other contributions during a challenging inaugural season.”
