The Dallas Jackals signed the Free Jacks 8th pick in the 2021 MLR Draft, Cael Ho’okele Hodgson, for the 2022 season of Major League Rugby after a trade for salary cap relief. The 23-year-old center/wing is 6’2″ and 215lbs.
Cael was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and lived there for 12 years. His mother was born in Hawaii and his father has roots in England and Scotland. Cael was introduced to rugby by his father at age 4, and he played with the Bangkok Lions, where his father coached until his family moved to Wolverhampton, England when he was 12. He attended the New International School of Thailand.
After moving to Wolverhampton, England, he attended Worcester Sixth Form and then Nottingham Trent University. He represented the university in rugby in the Midlands Competition and was a member of the performance squad from 2017 to 2019, as well as represented the North Midlands U20 select side.
Cael also joined the Worcester Warriors AASE Academy and was a member of the Scottish Exiles U18 team in the Scotland U18 trials in 2017. He also played for the Old Halesonians in England.
After traveling to Miami, FL for Tropical 7’s he decided to accept a scholarship offer to attend Lindenwood University and play rugby. In 2020 he was Lindenwood’s top try-scorer and was selected to the Mid-South All-Conference 2nd team. He graduated there with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science.
This past October, Cael’s performances led to his selection on the USA Men’s Selects roster for the 2021 Americas Pacific Challenge in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Dallas Jackals Comments
When asked what he is most excited about in joining the Jackals, “To be a part of the Inaugural Season, hopefully, it starts something special here in Dallas. I’m excited to see what I can add to the squad!”
GM Elaine Vassie said, “Having first spoken to Cael ahead of the 2021 draft, we weren’t surprised to see him be picked up in round one by the Free Jacks. He caught our eye as a powerful direct finisher who was keen to keep developing his game, we are excited to now have the opportunity to welcome him to the pack!”
Welcome to the Pack Cael!
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