The Dallas Jackals signed Dewald “Dewy” Kotze for the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The 24-year-old hooker is 6’0″ and 230 lbs.
Dewald is from Kriel, South Africa, but moved to Edmonton at the age of 14 and played for the Strathcona Druids clubs. He represented the Wolfpack U19s and later played for the senior team at the Canadian National Championship.
Dewald also represented Canada at the 2017 World Rugby u20 Trophy in Montevideo after beating the USA in the Americas North phase.
In 2019, Kotze joined the Pacific Pride, the Canadian National team development program, where he has been training since. He was part of the 40-man extended squad for the men’s national team in June 2021.
Kotze looks forward to entering the MLR and continuing his rugby career. “I really look forward to joining this new team that wants to play a fast and entertaining style of rugby,” Kotze said.
He continued, “This opportunity is absolutely huge for me. Playing professional rugby has been a goal of mine since I was young and I’m very excited that I can join the MLR and keep developing in my career.”
When asked about Dallas, Kotze said, “I’m most excited for the culture in Dallas, especially the sports and food. I will definitely be going to a couple of Mavs and Cowboys games.”
GM Elaine Vassie said, “Dewey’s an exciting young hooker with experience at U20s for Canada as well as featuring in the 40-man wider squad this season. Mobile around the park and with a good all-around skill set, he’s anticipating a real opportunity to be supported in accelerating his growth coming to Dallas!”
Welcome to the Pack Dewy!
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