Previous squads
2015/16 Dallas Griffins squad for the Red River Conference Division 1[11]
Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.
| Full name | Griffins Rugby |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 |
| Location | Allen, Texas, United States. |
| Ground(s) | Celebration Park |
| Chairman | Phil Camm |
| Official website | |
| www | |
Dallas Griffins Rugby, formerly Frisco Griffins, is a rugby union team based in Allen, Texas, United States, founded in 2008 by Phil Camm and Jeff Walton.[1][2] Dallas competed in USA Rugby's first tier amateur competition, Red River Conference D1,[3] and was a member of Major League Rugby at its foundation. The organization was later sold to a new ownership group and rebranded as the Dallas Jackals in preparation for the start of Major League Rugby.[4][5]
The Frisco Griffins, formed in 2008, initially played out of Dr. Pink Field in Frisco, Texas,[6][7] within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
In May 2017, Dallas was one of the original nine members of Major League Rugby at the announcement of the creation of the new competition and has remained a non-playing member.[5] The Griffins signed former Bath Rugby head coach Mike Ford the following month,[8] but elected to push back their involvement until a later date.[9] In June 2020, MLR announced that a group led by Dallas Mavericks’ GM Donnie Nelson and Neil Leibman of the Texas Ranger would be rebranding as the Dallas Jackals and representing Dallas in the league.[10]
Competitive Play and Achievements: Dallas Griffins competed in USA Rugby's first tier amateur competition, the Red River Conference D1. This participation underlined the team's commitment to playing at a high level and their ambition to be a major force in American rugby. Their involvement in this league saw them compete against some of the best amateur rugby teams in the nation, helping to raise the profile of rugby in Texas.
Major League Rugby Involvement: In May 2017, the Dallas Griffins became one of the original nine members of Major League Rugby (MLR) at the announcement of the creation of the new competition. This was a significant milestone, as MLR represented the highest level of professional rugby in the United States. The team's association with MLR, even as a non-playing member, indicated its aspirations and commitment to professional rugby.
Leadership and Coaching: The appointment of Mike Ford, former Bath Rugby head coach, in June 2017 as part of the Griffins’ coaching staff, was a testament to the team's ambition. Ford's experience at the highest levels of European rugby brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.
Rebranding and Ownership Changes: In June 2020, Major League Rugby announced that a group led by notable sports executives Donnie Nelson (Dallas Mavericks’ GM) and Neil Leibman (of the Texas Rangers) would be taking over the team. This transition marked a significant change in the team's trajectory, leading to the rebranding of the team as the Dallas Jackals in preparation for the start of Major League Rugby. This change signaled a new era, with a focus on heightened professionalism and a renewed vision for rugby in Dallas.
Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.
