Dallas Jackals Signs Jo-Hanko De Villiers

The Dallas Jackals signed Jo-Hanko de Villiers for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. The 24-year-old No.8 (25 in April) is 6’4″ and 243 lbs.

Pikkie, as he is better known, was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa. He began playing rugby at age five, emulating his father, who played in the Currie Cup with the Blue Bulls. He attended Eldoraigne High School and following his graduation in 2014 attended the University of Johannesburg. He gained valuable experience that year playing in the Varsity Cup.

In 2015 he played with the Golden Lions in a provincial cup match, starting and scoring a try. During the 2016-2017 season, he played one SuperSport Rugby Challenge match as a starter and helped the U21 team make the Currie Cup Finals. His stellar performance led to his being named the Best Forwards Player and the Best Player of the Year.

During the 2017-2018 season, he played two SuperSport Rugby Challenge matches as a starter In 2018-2019 he played in four SuperSport Rugby Challenge matches as a starter, scoring five tries, and in two Currie Cup matches.

He gained valuable experience in the Golden Lions organization and he should be a good addition to the Dallas jackals in their inaugural season in Major League Rugby.

Dallas Jackals Comments

Pikkie says, “If I am not busy with rugby-related things, I like to spend time outdoors.” If he is not training or playing, Pikkie can probably be found fishing or hiking to keep himself busy.

Pikkie said he is excited to be a part of such a professional club and structure. “I would love nothing more than adding to that success, and I’m excited to be joining and working with an already talented group of players,” Pikkie continued.

Although he has not been to Dallas, the things Pikkie has heard and seen about the city reminds him of his home in South Africa. “So I know I will feel at home,” he commented. Welcome to the pack Pikkie!