Announcement - Graeme Jackson, Named new backs coach

Graeme Jackson, in action for the Blaze in the spring of 1997.

The Chicago Blaze Rugby Football Club is proud to announce Graeme Jackson will be working as the team's new backs coach and as an assistant coach to head coach Craig Clark. Jackson, returns to the Blaze after finishing his playing years with club in 2000, including two seasons as team captain.

Jackson's rugby pedigree is long and storied. As a player he suited up for New Zealand's Provincial side Hawkes Bay (1985-'86), Orange County Bucks (1985-91), Portland Pigs (1992-96), and finished his playing career on the pitch with the Blaze (1996-2000).

As a coach, Jackson joined forces with the Blaze's own Dave Rosenberg in 2009 to form the Middle School Naperville Crusaders, winning the Middle School State Championship in 2010. Also that year, Jackson and Rosenberg, founded the Nequa Valley Wildcats RFC with a bunch of freshman as a Division 3 High School side. Under Jackson's direction as head coach the program quickly grew by adding Frosh/Soph, D2, and D1 sides. All three of which made the State Championship game.

Jackson, will report directly to and work with head coach Craig Clark, to help the club achieve our goal of becoming National Champions. 

The fall 2014 season starts with mandatory training Thursday July 24th. The schedule consists of ten games starting August 23rd at home against the Chicago Riot and finishing November 15th. (Full Schedule)

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