Head Coach - Michael Engelbrecht

Dallas Harlequins RFC are excited to announce the appointment of TRU Hall of Famer and USA U20’s coach, Michael ‘Moley’ Engelbrecht, as Head Coach for the upcoming 2022 season.
 

Engelbrecht first joined the Harlequins as a player in 1987 before going on to the lead the club in various capacities including Head Coach & Director of Rugby. He has been a standout in every role he’s held for over 30 years, and has been instrumental in most (if not all) of our historic successes.

We are excited he is going to continue his incredible legacy with the humility and wisdom he is    known for.
 

“I’ve been with the club for over 30 years – and I truly believe this is one of the best group of guys I’ve seen in a long time. They want to develop and grow, and play at a very high level, and they have the talent to do that. Despite a complicated 2021 season as a result of COVID-19, I’ve seen a huge improvement in the commitment, attitude, and fitness of the club. I’m eager to see how I can contribute to the success of the club in 2022 and beyond.”   Michael Engelbrecht

A player-centered coach, with over 17 years’ experience in USA Rugby age-grade pathways, we are excited to see the direction he takes the club. Once a Quin, always a Quin!
 

Attacking Coach - Ben Heenan

Dallas Harlequins RFC are delighted to announce Ben Heenan will join us as Attack Coach for the upcoming 2022 season.

Ben is a very well-travelled rugby player who has played at a high standard growing up in New Zealand before making the move to Australia where he played for U20 Western Australia. He then moved to the UK playing for Turnbridge before moving to the United States.

Ben represented the Dallas Harlequins where he played Division 1 rugby between 2012 – 2015 before taking a semi-retirement.

“I’m lucky to have worked with some very talented coaching teams and squads over my playing career and I’m very excited to have the opportunity to blend their styles into my own.

I have seen firsthand the culture, work ethic and skillset of the Quins and cannot wait to continue their development on and off the field.”

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”     Ben Heenan        

Lineout Coach - Blake Rodgers

Dallas Harlequins RFC are excited to announce the appointment of longtime Quin, Blake Rodgers, as Lineout Coach for the upcoming 2022 season.

Rodgers has played with the Quins since 2003, when he captained The Dallas Harlequins High School Rugby team. He helped take that team to nationals in 2003 and 2004 and was on the Texas Rugby Select side that won the national cup in 2004.

Since then, Rodgers has had a prestigious playing career with multiple tours with the USA U19 national team, the Texas and Western Collegiate sides, and of course you’re Dallas Harlequins.

Blake has been a leader on the team both on and off the field for as long as we’ve known him, and we’re excited to have him rounding out our coaching staff.

He brings a wealth of experience, a keen eye, and a calm mind to the Quins, and we look forward to what he cooks up.

Scrum Coach - Jimmy Jewison

Dallas Harlequins RFC are delighted to announce long-standing player and former USA U19 International, Jimmy Jewison will enter his 3rd year as Scrum Coach for the upcoming 2022 season.

Jewison, a 13-year Harlequin and former Captain of the club, is a Tighthead Prop by trade, but able to play across the front row. This will be his 3rd year in a player/coach role with the club.  Jewison is impressed with growing leadership and unity and brings stable 'front-line' experience in a time of growth and change for the club.

Jimmy’s loyalty to the club through many years, multiple tenures, and various levels of success is a testament to his character and value to the club. We’re excited to see where his passion and expertise takes our pack.

Aged 33, Jewison still has plenty of impact to provide on the field and is notoriously famed for his unexpected turn of pace and powerful charges. Whilst continuing to offer his experience and skill on the field, he is looking forward to the fresh challenge ahead of him.

“I am relishing the challenge of building on the foundation we’ve been building and to help take the Quins to new heights. Born on a Mountain Top!” Jimmy Jewison.

Strength and Conditioning Coach – Matt Frings

Dallas Harlequins RFC are excited to announce the retention of Matt Frings as Strength and Conditioning Coach for the upcoming 2022 campaign.

Continuing his role for a fourth season, Frings’ strength & conditioning guidance has been a vital contributor to our squad’s ability to better prepare, train and recover for the demands of the game.  

Matt began playing rugby at 9 years old for his hometown, Nottingham RFC and was selected for the England North U20 side. Matt also has experience working within storied rugby setups such as the Wigan Warriors (Rugby League) and Preston Grasshoppers (Rugby Union). In addition to playing with our Dallas Harlequins he has been signed to a development contract by the Dallas Jackals.

A dedicated and popular contributor both on and off-the field, Matt’s support has aided a progressive upturn in on field performance, a trend that he’s already investing further into, working closely with the senior squad on individual and tailored plans in the current off-season.

“I’m excited to see the continued improvement in our ability to play a fast and physical style of rugby. I think the boys enjoyed being on the right side of physical contests and have been putting even more effort to make 2022 our year. I think we can expect a lot of positive momentum as we start our new season. Matt Frings

Matt Frings is a fantastic example of a player and a coach. His devotion to the game and his teammates can be seen in his consistent performance on the field and off the field. We’re excited to continue working with him!

Head Coach, U23

Coach Kelly "Meerkat" Meek has a long history of Texas rugby experience, having started his playing career in 1992 at Oklahoma University. Coach Meek played for the Harlequins during the Super League era, and saw some of the highest levels of play in the nation. His down-to-earth nature and good vibes translate well to the U23 players, who were extremely successful in their inaugural 2017 season. Coach Meek says  he enjoys coaching the Quins because "The people are what make the club great. That, coupled with the rich tradition and bright future of the squad, make it a great place to coach."

Year started playing rugby: 1992
Rugby History: Southeastern OK State, baseball and tennis letterman; Football Capt. 1991; OU rugby rookie of the year 1992; Western US national 7s; Eagle 7s player pool; Denver Barbarians Super League ; Dallas Harlequins Super League -  PRCA 98'99'; SMU Cox
Main positions played: scumhalf (9), flyhalf (10), wing (11)
Other Coaching History: inaugural season Richardson Rugby (became the Dallas Harlequins Colts); Gentlemen of Allen, TX; University of Oklahoma National 7s tournament team
 Why do you coach the Quins? Not much better in the world than being a part of something greater than you (Family = Team).  
What is your coaching philosophy? I was coached 2 different ways growing up by some well respected coaches. Coach Clark believed that the other team got nothing unless we gave it to them. Coach Lantz was more about we are going to make plays and they are gonna make plays its how you  react to that, that determines our success. I like to think my coaching philosophy is somewhere blurred between those two philosophies. My coaching is a mixture of keeping it positive and utilizing Coach John Wooden's cornerstones of his pyramid of success, Industriousness and Enthusiasm. If you are enthusiastic about what you do and enjoy it, you will put in the industriousness and effort to be your best. 
If there is one reason someone should join the Quins, what would it be? Teammates for life.