Ben LeSage Bio
Benjamin Boselli LeSage, known professionally as Ben LeSage, is a Canadian rugby union player who plays as a centre for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby (MLR) and represents Canada at the international level. Born in Calgary, Alberta, he has built a reputation as a dependable midfielder with strong athletic ability and intelligent decision-making on the field. He previously played for the Toronto Arrows and the LA Giltinis, and is widely respected for his contributions to his club and his country.
LeSage first rose to prominence in the Canadian rugby system before taking his game to the professional ranks in the United States. He has also represented provincial and national sides, including the Prairie Wolf Pack and the senior Canadian national team since 2016. He is known for his athleticism and leadership on the field, and continues to pursue success at both the club and international levels.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Boselli LeSage was born on 24 November 1995 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to parents Bernard LeSage and Margaret LeSage. He grew up in Calgary alongside a younger sister named Natalie LeSage, in a family that encouraged athletic participation and competitive sport. His Calgary upbringing exposed him to a variety of sports during his formative years, helping him develop the physical foundation that would later define his rugby career.
LeSage attended Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School in Calgary, although he ended up playing rugby for the Henry Wise Wood Warriors. His performances on the rugby pitch earned him recognition, and he was named Athlete of the Year upon graduation from high school. This early distinction highlighted his potential as a future competitive rugby player and set the stage for his move to the next level of the sport.
After completing high school, LeSage enrolled at the University of British Columbia, where he balanced academics and athletics with distinction. Alongside playing varsity rugby with the UBC Thunderbirds, he pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering. He also joined the Sigma Chi fraternity during his university years, reflecting an active campus life beyond the rugby field.
Path to Rugby
LeSage’s pathway into competitive rugby began at the youth level with the Calgary Canucks, a well-known Canadian rugby development program where he played until 2016. The Canucks provided him with his first structured rugby environment, allowing him to refine his skills as a centre and to compete against strong amateur opposition in Alberta and beyond.
At the University of British Columbia, LeSage joined the UBC Thunderbirds from 2016 to 2019, playing three years of amateur rugby at a high level. During that same period, he also represented the Prairie Wolf Pack at the provincial level starting in 2017, further sharpening his game against senior players. His consistent performances at the amateur and provincial levels eventually opened the door to professional opportunities.
Ben LeSage Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
LeSage’s senior amateur career began in 2016 with the Calgary Canucks, where he had previously played at the youth level. He continued to develop as a centre while representing the UBC Thunderbirds in Canadian university rugby between 2016 and 2019. These years allowed him to combine his academic pursuits at the University of British Columbia with high-level amateur competition.
During this period, LeSage also represented the Prairie Wolf Pack at the provincial level and earned his first call-up to the Canadian national team. His amateur accomplishments established him as a player to watch, and his steady progress laid the foundation for a transition into professional rugby with Major League Rugby in 2020.
Toronto Arrows Era (2020–2021)
LeSage made the jump to professional rugby in 2020 when he joined the Toronto Arrows of Major League Rugby. Playing as a centre, he quickly became a regular contributor for the Canadian-based MLR franchise. Over the course of his time with the Arrows, he appeared in 18 games and scored 5 tries, demonstrating a strong try-scoring instinct from the midfield.
His stint with the Toronto Arrows helped him adjust to the physical demands and pace of professional rugby in North America. The experience provided a valuable stepping stone for the next phase of his career and gave him exposure to high-level coaching and competition on a weekly basis.
LA Giltinis Era (2022)
In 2022, LeSage signed with the LA Giltinis, the defending Major League Rugby champions at the time, providing him with an opportunity to compete at the highest level of the league. The Giltinis were based in Los Angeles and offered LeSage a chance to expand his game within a championship-caliber environment.
Although his time with the Giltinis was brief, the experience furthered his professional development and positioned him for his next move. Joining a title-contending organization allowed him to learn from established professionals and high-performance coaches in the league.
New England Free Jacks Era (2023–Present)
LeSage signed with the New England Free Jacks ahead of the 2023 Major League Rugby season, beginning what has become the most successful chapter of his professional career. In his first year with the club, he appeared in 15 matches and played a key role in leading the Free Jacks to their first MLR championship. His strong individual performances also earned him selection to the All-MLR First Team at the end of the 2023 season.
The following year, in 2024, LeSage appeared in 19 matches for the Free Jacks, scoring 22 points and helping the club capture another league title. His consistent play and leadership continued to be central to the team’s success. He was also recognized off the field, winning the 2024 S. Marcus Calloway Community Impact Award for his contributions beyond rugby.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a centre, LeSage is recognized for his athleticism, intelligent running lines, and physicality in both attack and defense. He combines a strong frame with good speed, allowing him to break tackles and create opportunities for teammates in the wider channels. His background in engineering reflects a thoughtful, analytical approach to the game, and he is respected for his work rate and reliability in high-pressure situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of LeSage’s career came in 2019, when he was included in the Canadian squad for the Rugby World Cup held in Japan. He made his World Cup match appearance against Italy on 26 September 2019 in Canada’s opening Pool B match, marking a significant milestone in his international career. His two MLR championship titles with the New England Free Jacks in 2023 and 2024 further underscore his impact at the club level.
Ben LeSage Career Wins
Across his professional and international career, Ben LeSage has accumulated significant team and individual accolades. Most notably, he has won two Major League Rugby championships with the New England Free Jacks in 2023 and 2024. He has also been recognized individually with selection to the All-MLR First Team in 2023, reflecting his status among the top performers in the league.
Major League Rugby Highlights
LeSage has been part of two MLR championship-winning campaigns with the New England Free Jacks, claiming titles in 2023 and 2024. His first title came in his debut season with the club, a remarkable achievement that highlighted his immediate impact. The 2024 championship represented a successful defense of the title and further cemented his legacy as a key contributor to one of MLR’s most successful recent teams.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his MLR success, LeSage has been a consistent performer for the Canadian national team since his international debut against Romania on 19 November 2016. He also represented the Prairie Wolf Pack at the provincial level and was a key player for the UBC Thunderbirds in Canadian university rugby. His 2024 S. Marcus Calloway Community Impact Award recognized his off-field contributions to the rugby community.
Ben LeSage Family
Family Background and Rugby Lineage
Ben LeSage was born into a supportive family in Calgary, Alberta, to his parents Bernard LeSage and Margaret LeSage. He grew up alongside a younger sister, Natalie LeSage, in a household that encouraged athletic and academic achievement. While his family is not widely known for a professional rugby background, their support has been a key part of his development as an elite athlete.
Personal Life
LeSage maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing much of his public attention on his rugby career and educational pursuits. A graduate of the University of British Columbia with a degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering, he has balanced academic achievement with the demands of professional sport. He continues to be active off the field through community initiatives recognized by the 2024 S. Marcus Calloway Community Impact Award.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 Major League Rugby season, Ben LeSage remains a central figure for the New England Free Jacks as they look to extend their championship pedigree. Following back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, the Free Jacks will aim to remain among the league’s elite, and LeSage’s experience in the midfield will be crucial to that pursuit. His combination of physicality, try-scoring ability, and leadership sets a strong foundation for the team’s ambitions.
Internationally, LeSage is expected to remain in contention for selection with the Canadian national team, which continues to develop its roster for upcoming test matches and future Rugby World Cup cycles. His 2019 World Cup experience and his consistent form at the professional level make him a valuable asset for Canada’s coaching staff. The 2025 season represents an opportunity for him to add to his growing list of accomplishments.
Off the field, LeSage’s recognition through the 2024 S. Marcus Calloway Community Impact Award highlights his growing influence beyond rugby. As he continues his career with the New England Free Jacks, he remains focused on contributing to team success while serving as a role model for aspiring rugby players in Canada and beyond.