The Dallas Jackals signed crossover athlete Shawn Clark for the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The 26-year-old lock is 6’9″ and 245 lbs.
Shawn was a late-season addition for the LA Giltinis in 2021 but did not play in any regular-season MLR matches, but did play for the Academy team. Shawn also played with the USA U23s at the Rugbytown 7s and was invited to the USA Olympic Sevens High-Performance Camp in September 2021. An injury impacted his play with the American Raptors again in the Fall.
Clark began his rugby career in January 2021 with the now American Raptors, formerly Colorado XO’s, a rugby club made of crossover players with the goal of developing domestic elite talent. He played nine of ten matches during the Spring 2021 season.
Shawn is from Potsdam, New York. He attended Potsdam High School where he played wide receiver in football, basketball, and baseball at first and third bases, center field, and as an occasional pitcher. The latter earned him tryouts with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles.
He attended Cushing Academy in 2014-2015, and was the team’s captain in football, playing quarterback and tight end. From 2015-2019 he attended Monmouth University, graduating with a degree in Communications. After being a redshirt his Freshman year, he played the following four years at tight end, and in 2019 was a First Team All-Big South selection, as well as a First Team Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference selection.
In August 2020 he had a tryout with the Indiana Colts and then signed with Colorado XO at the RugbyTown National Training Center.
Dallas Jackals Comments
Clark has two brothers and enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, and spending time on the St. Lawrence River.
“I am most excited to be joining the Dallas Jackals because I have always enjoyed the process of chasing excellence and greatness,” Clark continued, “something that I feel the Jackals staff and team fully embodies in this inaugural season and beyond.”
“Getting the opportunity to play in the MLR, I believe I can make a huge impact on this Dallas team and the entire MLR, redefining what a Second Row can do in this game.”
Clark continued, “Playing for the Dallas Cowboys was always a childhood dream, and getting to go to my job every day next door to AT&T Stadium, is a true blessing.”
Jackals GM Elaine Vassie said, “Jackals GM Elaine Vassie said, “Fantastic to be able to welcome Shawn to Jackals and support him with his aspirations in rugby. With a strong athletic background from football, he’s made great strides since transitioning with Colorado and has a real focus on growing as a rugby player that I know will pay dividends for him!”
Welcome to the Pack Shawn and Gianna!
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