Texas Native Jason Tidwell played in Major League Rugby between 2023-2025. He represented the Dallas Jackals (2023-2024) and Anthem RC (2025).

Tidwell began playing with Alliance Rugby at the age of 10, and founded the Gorilla Rugby invitational side that competes at a number of Sevens tournaments across the US. Tidwell has a gorilla tattoo on his left thigh. He attended Texas A&M University, captaining the rugby team while there and was drafted in the 3rd round, 36th overall, by the Dallas Jackals in the 2022 MLR Collegiate Draft.

Tidwell earned limited game time in 2022, earning 3 appearances off the bench as the Jackals began to turn things around after a dreadful inaugural season. Tidwell’s sophomore season was a standout however, earning a further 16 appearances and starting 7 times, scoring 3 tries and racking up over 600m gained. One of Tidwell’s tries came in the Dallas Jackals‘ first ever MLR Playoff game, as they stunned the 14-2 Houston SaberCats by a score of 22-34 in the Western Conference Semifinal, advancing to the Western Conference Final against the Seattle Seawolves, where they fell 25-28.

For his efforts in his 2nd MLR season, Tidwell was named as the Dallas Jackals Most Improved Player for 2024. Following the withdrawal of the Dallas Jackals from MLR shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 season, Tidwell declared for the subsequent dispersal draft and was selected 9th by Anthem RC. His signing was confirmed on 21st January, 2025 when Anthem RC unveiled their complete roster for the 2025 MLR season.

achievements

• 2024 Dallas Jackals Most Improved Player
• 2022 MLR Draftee: 36th Overall (3rd Rd) – Dallas Jackals