About
Meet Devin Short
Founder of Validus Tackle Academy. Professional rugby player, coach, and a specialist in doing contact the right way.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Devin Short has spent nearly a decade living in the contact zone. He picked up rugby in 2016 and turned professional in 2018 at just 19 years old.
What began as raw fearlessness became a craft. Devin built a career on discipline, precise technique, and a relentless standard for safety, the same principles Validus is built on today.
MLR caps
Pro seasons
Career tackles
Franchises
On the field
Eight seasons in the pros
After winning the Olympic Hopeful competition, Devin trained with the USA 7s National Team and went on to play eight professional seasons in Major League Rugby. He earned 77 caps across three franchises and became one of the youngest players in league history to reach 50 MLR caps.
He represented the United States at multiple levels, including the Falcons and the Men's Eagles, competed internationally, and captained a PR7s championship team.
On the sideline
A coach at every level
Devin's coaching spans every level of the game, from youth development and high school programs to collegiate rugby, men's club, and special needs clinics.
He has served as Head Coach for Tulane University's Men's Rugby Club and as Assistant Coach and Contact Specialist at Clemson University. Along the way he led championship-winning 7s programs and worked extensively with national foundations and camps.
The Academy
Built in the contact zone
After stepping away from professional play, Devin founded Validus Tackle Academy, a system built on elite rugby contact principles applied to football and collision sports. With over 650 career tackles and nearly ten years of hands-on experience, he teaches only what he has personally trained and executed at the highest level, always prioritizing safety, confidence, and performance.
Validus means
I am strong. I am powerful. I am worthy.
That mindset defines the culture Devin builds, developing athletes who are protected, prepared, and empowered on and off the field.