close
Jump to content

New England Free Jacks

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

New England Free Jacks
Founded2018
LocationQuincy, Massachusetts, U.S.
GroundVeterans Memorial Stadium (capacity: 5,000)
CEOAlex Magleby
CoachRyan Martin
CaptainJoe Johnston
Most capsJoe Johnston (67)
Top scorerJayson Potroz (353)
Most triesPaula Balekana (40)
LeagueMajor League Rugby
2026DNQ
5th in MLR
Team kit
Official website
www.freejacks.com

The New England Free Jacks are an American professional rugby union team based in the Greater Boston area that competes in Major League Rugby (MLR). They were announced in September 2018 and began to compete professionally in October 2018.[1] They competed in their first season in MLR in the 2020 season. The team has won three consecutive MLR shields, defeating the San Diego Legion in 2023, the Seattle Seawolves in 2024, and the Houston Sabercats in 2025.

History

[edit]

On September 21, 2018, Major League Rugby announced that Boston would be one of the expansion teams joining the league for the 2020 season.[2] That same day, the Boston club was announced as the New England Free Jacks through social media. The club was co-founded by Alex Magleby and Errik Anderson. Their first match was on October 20, 2018, against the Ontario Arrows at Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Early rosters from these matches included a mixture of veteran professional players from the disbanded PRO Rugby competition and top local talent from clubs such as the Boston Irish Wolfhounds and Mystic River.

Former NFL players Nate Ebner and Patrick Chung, who were teammates on the New England Patriots, are minority owners of the Free Jacks.[3][4]

Josh Smith was hired as the team's first head coach in 2018. In 2019 the Free Jacks played a season full of exhibitions, going 1–7 in those games. In 2020, during their first official season,[5] they went 1–4 before the remainder of the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] During that year, Mitch Wilson scored the first trie in team history in a game vs New York.[7]

Smith did not come back for the 2021 season and was replaced by Ryan Martin. Martin led the Free Jacks to their first winning season; they finished 10-6 but missed the playoffs. Martin left after that season, and was replaced by Scott Mathie.[8]

Mathie coached the Free Jacks for the next three years and saw nothing but success. He led the team to a 13–3 record in his first year and secured the 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. This led to the Free Jacks' first playoff appearance and first appearance in the Eastern Conference Championship. Their season came to an end here though, losing to Rugby New York 24–16. At the end of the season Mathie was named coach of the year in 2022 and Beaudein Waaka was the first Free Jacks player to be named MLR player of the year.

Threepeat

[edit]

The following year, the Free Jacks set a team record, going 14–2 in the 2023 season. This again gave them home field advantage for the Eastern Conference championship. The Free Jacks won their first conference title, beating Old Glory DC 25-7 and leading to their first appearance in the MLR championship. They faced the San Diego Legion at SeatGeek Stadium for the 2023 MLR championship. The game was neck and neck throughout, but Le Roux Malan scored the game winning try in the 76th minute, giving the Free Jacks the 25–24 victory and securing the first MLR championship in team history.[9] Jayson Potroz was subsequently named championship game MVP along with MLR player of the year after leading the league in points.[10] Wian Conradie was named forward of the year, the first player in team history to receive the honor. This capped off a historic season for the Free Jacks.

During the 2023 season, John Poland became the first player in club history to reach his 50th cap.[11]

Mathie led the Free Jacks to another title the following year. As in 2024, they went 11-5 and for the third year in a row received the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. In the first round, the Free Jacks met Old Glory DC 33–29, and then in the Eastern Conference championship beat the Chicago Hounds 23–17 to win their second consecutive conference title. They then headed to Snapdragon Stadium to play the Seattle Seawolves for the 2024 MLR championship, where they won by a 20–11 score, making them the second team in MLR history to win back to back titles. Jed Melvin was named the championship game MVP. Potroz again led the league in points, Reece MacDonald was named back of the year and Wayne van der Bank was the third Free Jacks player in a row to be named MLR player of the year. Mathie was named coach of the year for a second time. This was his final year though, as he left after the 2024 season, taking the job as attacks and backs coach at Edinburgh Rugby.[12]

In 2024 it was announced that former Free Jacks coach Ryan Martin would return as head coach for a second stint.[13]

During the 2025 season the Free Jacks got out to a slow start, starting the year 1–3 overall. However, coach Martin and the team turned things around, and ended the year with a 11–5 record, finishing first overall in the Eastern Conference for the 4th year in a row. They faced the Miami Sharks in the first round of the playoffs, beating them 32–10. They then faced the Chicago Hounds in the conference final, coming back from a 17–0 deficit, with Kyle Ciquera scoring the go ahead try in the 77th minute to win 21–20. They claimed the Eastern Conference championship for a third straight year. They then faced the Houston SaberCats in the 2025 Major League Rugby final. The Free Jacks had the lead for a majority of the match, ultimately winning 28–22, with Brock Webster being named the MVP of the match. This was the third straight MLR championship in a row for the Free Jacks. They were the first team in MLR history, and the first pro sports team in North America, to successfully compete a threepeat since 2002.[14] At the end of the season, Paula Balekana was named the MLR player of the year, making him the fourth Free Jacks player in a row to receive the award. Coach Ryan Martin would also receive the coach of the year award.

Honors

[edit]

Championships

[edit]
  • MLR Championship shield
  • MLR Eastern Conference Championship
    • Champions: 2023, 2024, 2025
    • Appearances: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Individual awards

[edit]

Major League Rugby Player of the Year

Major League Rugby Forward of the Year

Major League Rugby Back of the Year

Major League Rugby Coach of the Year

MLR Championship Game MVP

MLR Points Leader

  • Jayson Potroz (2): 2023, 2024

Sponsorship

[edit]
Season Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Other shirt sponsor(s)
2018 Canterbury None None
2018–2019 Boathouse
2020–2021 Paladin Sports
2022 Alloy Therapeutics
2023 Tufts Medical Center, DUDE Wipes, Arbella Insurance, Drayton Distributors
2024 Kappa
2025 Macron Alloy Therapeutics, Koa Labs DUDE Wipes, Arbella Insurance, Drayton Distributors

Roster

[edit]

The New England Free Jacks squad for the 2026 Major League Rugby season is:

2026 New England Free Jacks squad

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain.
Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for United States on residency or dual nationality.
Source: [15]

Head coaches' tenures

[edit]

Captains

[edit]

Leadership

[edit]

Staff for 2025 Major League Rugby season:[17]

Staff positionName
Head coachRyan Martin
Assistant coachDewald Senekal
Assistant coachPom Simona
General managerTom Kindley

Owners[18]

PositionName
Co-founder, owner and executive chairmanAlex Magleby
Co-founder, owner and chairmanErrik Anderson
CEO Ian Frenette
Owner and board memberAngad Banga
Owner and board memberDavid Barry
Owner and board memberJonathan Bobbett
OwnerPatrick Chung
OwnerNate Ebner

Records

[edit]

Season standings

[edit]
Season Conference Regular season Postseason
Pos Pld W D L F A +/− BP Pts Pld W L F A +/− Result
2020[a] Eastern 6th5104139158-1959------Cancelled
2021 Eastern 4th161006360332+28848------Did not qualify
2022 Eastern 1st161303454328+1268621011624-8Lost conference final (RNY)
2023 Eastern 1st161402556273+28312682205031+19Won Major League Rugby final (SD)
2024 Eastern 1st161105463344+88--552204328+15Won Major League Rugby final (SEA)
2025 Eastern 1st161105425341+8411553308152+29Won Major League Rugby final (HOU)
2026 N/A 5th 10 3 0 7 215 290 -75 5 17 - - - - - - Did not qualify
Totals95630322,6122,066+54649314871190135+554 postseason appearances

Notes

[edit]
  1. 2020 regular season shortened and playoffs cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Head coaches

[edit]
Coach Tenure Years Record Pct. Playoff rec Conference champions MLR championships
United States Josh Smith 2018-2020 2 1-4 (.200) 0-0 0 0
New Zealand Ryan Martin 2020-2021, 2024–present 2 21-12 (.636) 3-0 1 1
South Africa Scott Mathie 2021-2024 3 38-10 (.786) 5-1 2 2

Stadium

[edit]
Free Jacks game during the 2024 season

The Free Jacks play their home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy Massachusetts. With a capacity of 5,000, the stadium has also been referred to as Fort Quincy. The stadium has hosted the MLR Eastern Conference championship four times, in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The Free Jacks also hold numerous festivals there throughout the season.[19] Renovations were made to the stadium's left side during the 2025 season, adding a new VIP seating area.

2019 season

[edit]

All games in the 2019 season were exhibition games and did not count in the league standings; the team played to a record of 1–7, losing their first seven games and winning their final match of the season.

DateOpponentHome/awayLocationResult
October 20, 2018Ontario ArrowsAwayWanderers GroundsLost, 14–40
December 1, 2018Rugby United New YorkHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexLost, 35–38
February 9, 2019Utah WarriorsAwayZions Bank Training CenterLost, 15–70
March 16, 2019Connacht A[20]HomeUnion Point Sports ComplexLost, 7–38
March 24, 2019Ulster A[20]HomeUnion Point Sports ComplexLost, 15–43
April 6, 2019Munster A[20]HomeIrish Cultural Centre GAA FieldLost, 19–38
April 14, 2019Leinster A[20]HomeHarvard Mignone FieldLost, 12–55
May 18, 2019Toronto ArrowsHomeBrophy Field at Dartmouth's
Corey Ford Rugby Clubhouse
Postponed
June 1, 2019Lansdowne F.C.HomeIrish Cultural Centre GAA FieldWon, 46–29

2020 season

[edit]

On March 12, 2020, MLR announced the season would go on hiatus immediately for 30 days due to fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.[21] Seven days later, MLR announced that the season was officially cancelled.[22] The Free Jacks finished the short season 9th in the MLR and 6th in the Eastern Conference.[23]

Exhibition

[edit]
DateOpponentHome/awayLocationResult
January 18New England IndependentsHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexWon, 39–7
January 18New England IndependentsHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexWon, 84–21

Regular season

[edit]

The team accrued a 1–4 record before the season was halted.

DateOpponentHome/awayLocationResult
February 8Rugby United New YorkHomeSam Boyd StadiumWon, 34–14
February 15Utah WarriorsAwaySam Boyd StadiumLost, 33–39
February 23San Diego LegionAwayTorero StadiumLost, 21–30
February 29Seattle SeawolvesAwayStarfire SportsLost, 29–44
March 7NOLA GoldAwayThe Gold MineLost, 22–31
March 14Houston SaberCatsHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexCancelled
March 22Rugby ATLAwayLife University Running Eagles StadiumCancelled
April 5Colorado RaptorsHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexCancelled
April 10Toronto ArrowsAwayTBDCancelled
April 18Old Glory DCHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexCancelled
April 25NOLA GoldHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexCancelled
May 1Rugby United New YorkAwayMCU ParkCancelled
May 9Austin GilgronisHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexCancelled
May 16Toronto ArrowsHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexCancelled
May 24Old Glory DCAwayCardinal StadiumCancelled
May 30Rugby ATLHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexCancelled

2021 season

[edit]

The Free Jacks' first game of the 2021 season was played on March 20, facing LA Giltinis in Los Angeles.[24]

DateOpponentHome/awayLocationResult
March 20LA GiltinisAwayLos Angeles Memorial ColiseumLost, 27–42
March 27Houston SaberCatsAwayAveva StadiumWon, 32–0
April 3Utah WarriorsHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexWon, 22–21
April 17NOLA GoldAwayShrine on AirlineLost, 30–29
April 25Old Glory DCAwaySegra FieldLost, 29–35
May 1San Diego LegionAwayLos Angeles Memorial ColiseumWon, 33–17
May 8Austin GilgronisHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexWon, 22–18
May 15Rugby ATLAwayLife UniversityLost, 18–33
May 23Rugby United New YorkAwayCochrane StadiumLost, 19–29
May 29Toronto ArrowsHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexWon, 14–12
June 6Old Glory DCHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexWon, 38–34
June 13Seattle SeawolvesHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexWon, 25–21
June 27NOLA GoldHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexLost, 9–17
July 3Rugby United New YorkHomeUnion Point Sports ComplexWon, 22–6
July 11Toronto ArrowsAwayLife UniversityWon, 28–17
July 18Rugby ATLHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 22–19

Source:[25]

2022 season

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
DateOpponentHome/awayLocationResult
February 5New Orleans GoldAwayGold Mine on AirlineWon, 24–13
February 18Old Glory DCAwaySegra FieldWon, 41–25
February 27LA GiltinisAwayLos Angeles Memorial ColiseumLost, 15–19
March 6Rugby New YorkAwayJohn F. Kennedy StadiumWon, 38–29
March 12Toronto ArrowsHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 21–15
March 19Austin GilgronisAwayBold StadiumWon, 25–17
March 26Rugby ATLAwaySilverbacks ParkWon, 41–27
April 2New Orleans GoldHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 33–29
April 9Seattle SeawolvesHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 24-22
April 24Rugby New YorkAwayJohn F. Kennedy StadiumWon, 29–26
April 30Utah WarriorsHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 33–17
May 7Old Glory DCHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 26–20
May 13Rugby ATLHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 15–10
May 19Toronto ArrowsAwayYork Lions StadiumLost, 18-33
May 29New Orleans GoldHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 57-5
June 3Rugby New YorkHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumLost, 14–21

Source:[26]

Postseason

[edit]
RoundDateOpponentHome/awayVenueResult
East Conference FinalsJune 19Rugby New YorkHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumLost, 16–24

2023 season

[edit]

Preseason

[edit]
DateOpponentHome/awayLocationResult
February 8Houston SaberCatsAwaySaberCats StadiumL, 21–34

Regular season

[edit]
DateOpponentHome/awayLocationResult
February 17New Orleans GoldAwayThe Gold MineW, 36–12
February 26San Diego LegionAwaySnapdragon StadiumL, 12–29
March 11Old Glory DCHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 34–31
March 19Rugby New YorkAwayMemorial FieldW, 33–18
March 25Dallas JackalsHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 10–9
March 31Utah WarriorsAwayZions Bank StadiumL, 24–26
April 8Chicago HoundsHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 31–19
April 15Toronto ArrowsAwayYork Lions StadiumW, 80–5
April 22Rugby ATLHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 23–13
April 30Rugby New YorkHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 8–0
May 14Old Glory DCAwaySegra FieldW, 42–12
May 21New Orleans GoldHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 50–3
May 27Toronto ArrowsHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 57–20
June 2Rugby ATLAwaySilverbacks ParkW, 35–14
June 11Seattle SeawolvesAwayStarfire StadiumW, 34–26
June 18Houston SaberCatsHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 47–24

Postseason

[edit]
RoundDateOpponentLocationResult
East Conference FinalsJuly 1, 2023Old Glory DCVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 25–7
MLR Grand Final July 8, 2023 San Diego Legion SeatGeek Stadium W, 25–24

2024 season

[edit]

Preseason

[edit]
DateOpponentHome/awayLocationResult
January 22Dallas JackalsNeutralSaberCats StadiumL, 22–24

Regular season

[edit]
DateOpponentHome/awayLocationResult
March 3Anthem RCAwayAmerican Legion Memorial StadiumW, 46–13
March 9Old Glory DCHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumL, 34–35
March 16New Orleans GoldHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 27–21
March 24Chicago HoundsAwaySeatGeek StadiumW, 22–17
April 6Miami SharksHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 25–3
April 13Houston SaberCatsAwaySaberCats StadiumW, 47–35
April 20Seattle SeawolvesHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumL, 21–29
April 28RFC Los AngelesAwayDignity Health Sports ParkW, 34–12
May 5Chicago HoundsHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumL, 20–26
May 19San Diego LegionAwaySnapdragon StadiumW, 24–23
May 25Miami SharksAwayChase StadiumL, 15–13
June 2Dallas JackalsHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 26–24
June 8Old Glory DCAwayMaryland SoccerPlexW, 31–30
June 16Utah WarriorsHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 36–27
June 22New Orleans GoldAwayGold Mine on AirlineL, 17–27
June 29Anthem RCHomeVeterans Memorial StadiumW, 40–7

Postseason

[edit]
RoundDateOpponentLocationResult
East Conference semifinalsJuly 20, 2024Old Glory DCVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 33–29
East Conference finalJuly 27, 2024Chicago HoundsVeterans Memorial StadiumWon, 23–17
ChampionshipAugust 4, 2024Seattle SeawolvesSnapdragon StadiumWon, 20–11

Entertainment

[edit]

Mascot

[edit]

On May 7, 2021, the Free Jacks announced a mascot, Woodgy, a furry blue creature with rugby headband tape who wears Free Jacks rugby kit.[27]

Post game events

[edit]

Following Free Jacks games the club hosts a variety of post game activities such as autographs sessions with players, beer festivals, live concerts and firework shows.[28][29]

Academy

[edit]

New England Independents

[edit]

On January 8, 2020, the Free Jacks announced that they would compete in two preseason matches against the New England Independents, a new select team of local All-Star talent representing eight clubs throughout New England.[30] Adam Zilcoski, of the Boston Irish Wolfhounds, was selected as the head coach.

Regional academies

[edit]
Club Region
the AlarmBoston
ChampsChamplain
CobblersNorth Shore
Granite HammersSouthern New Hampshire
LightfootsWestern MA
MutineersRhode Island
Night WatchUpper CT
PathfindersCentral MA
Pine RiotersSouthern Vermont & New Hampshire
River RangersUpper Valley
the Sea SerpentsMaine Seacoast
Silver SharksSouth Shore
Whistle PunksNew England North

[31]

Junior Jacks

[edit]

The Junior Jacks are the youth academy level for the Free Jacks.

References

[edit]
  1. "New England Free Jacks Roster Announced". The Runner Sports. October 19, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  2. "Major League Rugby confirms Boston and Atlanta for 2020 - Americas Rugby News". Americasrugbynews.com. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  3. "Patriots Patrick Chung, Nate Ebner embracing roles as Major League Rugby minority owners". Bostonherald.com. February 20, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  4. "New England Free Jacks Expand Ownership, Introduce Nate Ebner & Patrick Chung". Therunnersports.com. February 20, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  5. "FREE JACKS ANNOUNCE ROSTER FOR FIRST MATCH IN 2020 MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY SEASON". Freejacks.com. February 7, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  6. "Major League Rugby cancels 2020 season, creates esports tournament". SportBusiness. March 19, 2020. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  7. Elliott, Colin (May 18, 2024). "MITCH'S MILESTONE MATCH: Original Free Jacks' Winger Set for 50th Cap in MLR Championship Rematch". New England Free Jacks. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  8. "Scott Mathie". New England Free Jacks. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  9. Graylin, Alex (September 26, 2023). "Free Jacks top Legion in championship thriller to claim first MLR title". New England Free Jacks. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  10. "Jayson Potroz". New England Free Jacks. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  11. John Poland presented his 50th MLR cap & framed jersey🏉🐎🇮🇪 #MLR2023. July 2, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2025 via YouTube.
  12. Elliott, Colin (August 16, 2024). "Free Jacks' Head Coach Scott Mathie Honored with His Second Major League Rugby Coach of the Year Award - Chapter Closes as United Rugby Championship role Awaits". Freejacks.com. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  13. Gilpin, Oliver (August 21, 2024). "The Return of Ryan Martin: Free Jacks Announce New Head Coach for 2025 Season". New England Free Jacks. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  14. "NEW ENGLAND SECURE THREE-PEAT WITH 28-22 VICTORY OVER HOUSTON". Major League Rugby. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  15. "New England Free Jacks". North American Rugby Database. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  16. "Free Jacks Appoint Scott Mathie Head Coach and Mike Rogers Senior Assistant". Major League Rugby. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  17. "Staff". New England Free Jacks. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  18. "Leadership". New England Free Jacks. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  19. "Free Jacks Quincy Day! Festival 2025". Freejacks.com. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  20. 1 2 3 4 "Free Jacks To Host Irish Provincial 'A' Sides". Thisisamericanrugby.com. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  21. ""MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY SUSPENDS 2020 SEASON FOR 30 DAYS," majorleague.rugby, March 12, 2020 Retrieved March 14, 2020". Archived from the original on May 27, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  22. "Major League Rugby cancels remainder of 2020 campaign". Yahoo! Sports. AFP. March 19, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  23. "Standings". Major League Rugby. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  24. Banks, Doug (March 20, 2021). "Professional rugby team New England Free Jacks to debut in Massachusetts". Masslive.com. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  25. "2021 Schedule". Freejacks.com. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  26. "2022 Schedule". Freejacks.com. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  27. "𝙒𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙜𝙮 – 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚍 𝚠𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚎𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚍". Freejacks.com. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  28. "Free Jacks Quincy Day! Festival 2025". New England Free Jacks. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  29. Snow, Jason. "'It's magic': Festivals, music among home field advantages for Free Jacks rugby in Quincy". The Patriot Ledger. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  30. "The New England Free Jacks, Boston's First Professional Rugby Team, Announce Two Free Preseason Matches In The Month Of January At Union Point Sports Complex". Freejacks.com. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  31. "FREE JACKS LAUNCH NEW ENGLAND-WIDE ACADEMY". freejacks.com. September 24, 2020. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
[edit]