Jayson Potroz Bio
Jayson Potroz is a New Zealand rugby union player born on November 26, 1991. He plays at fullback for Taranaki in the National Provincial Championship and for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby (MLR). He has established himself as a key player, leading the MLR in scoring and earning accolades such as MLR player of the year and championship match MVP.
Early Life and Background
Jayson Potroz was born in Stratford, New Zealand. He attended Francis Douglas Memorial College, where he began to develop his skills in rugby. His early exposure to the sport came through playing for local clubs, which laid the foundation for his future career in rugby union. Potroz’s upbringing in a rugby-centric culture in New Zealand provided him with ample opportunities to engage with the sport from a young age.
Path to Rugby
Potroz began his rugby journey playing premier club rugby in Taranaki after leaving high school in 2009. He played for Stratford until 2013 and then for Tukapa, where he honed his skills further. Over the years, he participated in age group, development, and representative sevens, gaining valuable experience. His first-class debut came in 2018 against Poverty Bay in a Ranfurly Shield pre-season match, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Jayson Potroz Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Jayson Potroz made a significant impact in his debut season, scoring three tries and becoming known for a remarkable 55-meter intercept try. In 2019, he started in all ten matches for Taranaki, scoring a total of 17 points and earning the title of Back of the Year, a notable achievement for a non-Super Rugby player. He also won the Sevens Player of the Year award that season. In 2020, he continued to excel, appearing in 11 matches and scoring three tries.
Breakthrough (2021-2023)
In 2021, Potroz played a crucial role in Taranaki’s success, contributing to their NPC championship victory. His career took a significant turn in September 2022 when he signed with the New England Free Jacks for the 2023 MLR season. Potroz quickly became a key player for the team, showcasing his exceptional kicking, running, and passing abilities. He led the MLR in scoring during the 2023 season with 146 points, earning him the MLR player of the year award. His performance in the championship match solidified his status as a top player, as he was named the championship match MVP after scoring crucial points.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jayson Potroz’s signature work includes his outstanding performance in the 2023 MLR season, where he was named to the All MLR first team. He continued to build on this success in 2024, leading the league in points once again with 181 points and contributing to another championship victory for the Free Jacks.
Jayson Potroz Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jayson Potroz has received several nominations, including recognition as Back of the Year and Sevens Player of the Year in 2019.
Jayson Potroz Awards Won
Jayson Potroz has achieved notable awards, including MLR player of the year and championship match MVP in 2023, as well as being named to the All MLR first team in both 2023 and 2024.
Jayson Potroz Family
Jayson Potroz is married to Nicola Milby, and together they have a daughter named Mila.
Personal Life
In addition to his rugby career, Potroz enjoys fishing and playing golf. He has shared that after facing injuries early in his career, he considered a different path before ultimately deciding to pursue rugby professionally at the age of 24. His journey reflects his determination and passion for the sport.