New England Free Jacks Overview
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). Founded in 2018, the team began competing professionally in the 2020 season and has since established itself as the dominant force in American rugby. The Free Jacks play their home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Massachusetts, a venue with a capacity of 5,000 that has earned the nickname “Fort Quincy” among fans. The organization has achieved unprecedented success in recent years, becoming the first team in MLR history to win three consecutive championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The team is led by Chief Executive Officer Alex Magleby and Head Coach Ryan Martin, with Joe Johnston serving as team captain. Notable leadership figures include minority owners former NFL players Nate Ebner and Patrick Chung, both former teammates on the New England Patriots.
Founding and Organizational Origins
On September 21, 2018, Major League Rugby announced that Boston would be one of the expansion teams joining the league for the 2020 season. That same day, the Boston club was officially announced as the New England Free Jacks through social media. The club was co-founded by Alex Magleby and Errik Anderson, who established the organizational framework and vision for the new franchise. Their first competitive match came on October 20, 2018, against the Ontario Arrows at Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, Nova Scotia, marking the beginning of the Free Jacks’ rugby journey.
Early rosters for these inaugural 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. This blend of experienced professionals and emerging local players created a foundation for the organization’s development philosophy. The Free Jacks quickly built connections within the New England rugby community, establishing themselves as a program that valued both veteran leadership and youth development from the start.
Growth Into Major League Rugby Competition
The announcement of the Free Jacks as an MLR expansion franchise represented a significant step for professional rugby in New England. The organization set out to build a competitive infrastructure that could compete at the highest level of American rugby. Josh Smith was hired as the team’s first head coach in 2018, providing experienced guidance during the organization’s formative years. In 2019, the Free Jacks played a season of exhibition matches, finishing with a 1–7 record in those games.
The 2020 season marked the Free Jacks’ first official campaign in Major League Rugby. During that season, Mitch Wilson scored the first try in team history in a match against New York. The team posted a 1–4 record before the remainder of the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the abbreviated season, this period allowed the organization to gel and establish its competitive identity within the league structure.
New England Free Jacks Competitive Journey
The New England Free Jacks have experienced a remarkable competitive evolution since their founding, transforming from an expansion franchise into the most successful team in Major League Rugby history. The organization’s journey includes periods of rebuilding, breakthrough seasons, sustained excellence, and historic achievements that have rewritten the league’s record books.
Early Seasons and Development (2018–2021)
Following the abbreviated 2020 season, the Free Jacks underwent significant leadership change. Josh Smith did not return for the 2021 season and was replaced by Ryan Martin. Martin led the Free Jacks to their first winning season in franchise history, with the team finishing 10–6, though they narrowly missed the playoffs. This achievement demonstrated the program’s potential and laid the groundwork for future success. After the 2021 season, Martin departed and was replaced by Scott Mathie, who would become instrumental in the team’s championship success.
The early seasons were crucial for building the organization’s culture and identifying key players who would form the core of future championship rosters. Joe Johnston emerged as a leader during this period, eventually becoming the team’s captain and setting the franchise record with 67 caps. Jayson Potroz established himself as the team’s top scorer with 353 points, while Paula Balekana became the franchise leader with 40 tries. These players formed the foundation upon which the Free Jacks built their championship dynasty.
Breakthrough and First Championship (2022–2023)
Scott Mathie took over as head coach and immediately transformed the Free Jacks into a championship contender. In his first season in 2022, Mathie led the team to a 13–3 record and secured the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. This performance earned the Free Jacks their first playoff appearance and their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Championship. Although their season ended with a 24–16 loss to Rugby New York, the team gained invaluable playoff experience. At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Mathie was named Coach of the Year, and Beaudein Waaka became the first Free Jacks player to be named MLR Player of the Year.
The 2023 season represented the Free Jacks’ breakthrough to national prominence. The team set a franchise record with a 14–2 regular season record, again earning home-field advantage for the Eastern Conference Championship. The Free Jacks won their first conference title by defeating Old Glory DC 25–7, advancing to their first MLR Championship game. At SeatGeek Stadium, they faced the San Diego Legion in a tightly contested match. Le Roux Malan scored the game-winning try in the 76th minute, giving the Free Jacks a dramatic 25–24 victory and securing the first MLR Championship in franchise history. Jayson Potroz was named Championship Game MVP and MLR Player of the Year after leading the league in points. Wian Conradie became the first Free Jacks player to be named MLR Forward of the Year. During this historic season, John Poland became the first player in club history to reach 50 caps.
Sustained Excellence and Three-Peat Dynasty (2024–2025)
Mathie returned for the 2024 season and led the Free Jacks to another championship. The team posted an 11–5 record and for the third consecutive year received the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. In the first round of the playoffs, the Free Jacks defeated Old Glory DC 33–29, then beat the Chicago Hounds 23–17 in the Eastern Conference Championship. They traveled to Snapdragon Stadium to face the Seattle Seawolves in the 2024 MLR Championship, winning 20–11 to become the second team in MLR history to win back-to-back titles. Jed Melvin was named Championship Game MVP. Potroz again led the league in points, Reece MacDonald was named MLR Back of the Year, and Wayne van der Bank became the third consecutive Free Jacks player to be named MLR Player of the Year. Mathie was named Coach of the Year for the second time, but this would be his final season as he departed to join Edinburgh Rugby as their attacks and backs coach.
Prior to the 2025 season, the Free Jacks announced that former head coach Ryan Martin would return for a second stint at the helm. The team got out to a slow start, beginning the year 1–3, but Martin and the organization turned things around dramatically. The Free Jacks finished with an 11–5 record, placing first overall in the Eastern Conference for the fourth consecutive year. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Sharks 32–10 in the first round. In the Conference Championship, they overcame a 17–0 deficit against the Chicago Hounds, with Kyle Ciquera scoring the go-ahead try in the 77th minute to win 21–20 and claim their third consecutive Eastern Conference title.
The Free Jacks faced the Houston SaberCats in the 2025 MLR Championship. They led for the majority of the match and held on to win 28–22, with Brock Webster named Championship Game MVP. This victory completed the first three-peat in MLR history and made the Free Jacks the first North American professional sports team to accomplish a three consecutive championship run since 2002. At season’s end, Paula Balekana was named MLR Player of the Year, making him the fourth consecutive Free Jacks player to receive the award. Head Coach Ryan Martin was also named Coach of the Year, completing a remarkable return season.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2024–Present)
The New England Free Jacks enter the 2026 season as the undisputed dynasty of Major League Rugby. The organization has built a sustainable championship culture through strategic roster management, elite coaching, and commitment to developing homegrown talent. The return of Ryan Martin as head coach has provided continuity and a clear vision for sustained competitiveness. The organization continues to blend experienced international talent with promising American players, creating a roster capable of competing at the highest levels.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The New England Free Jacks have built their success on a foundation of defensive discipline, tactical flexibility, and exceptional player development. The organization has demonstrated a remarkable ability to develop players who achieve individual excellence while contributing to team success, as evidenced by four consecutive MLR Player of the Year awards. The team’s home-field advantage at Veterans Memorial Stadium, known as Fort Quincy, has proven formidable, with the Free Jacks consistently using the venue to their advantage in crucial playoff matches.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The Free Jacks’ history is marked by several historic milestones. The first try in franchise history came from Mitch Wilson against New York in 2020. The dramatic 2023 Championship victory, secured by Le Roux Malan’s late try, launched the team’s dynasty. The 2025 three-peat not only cemented the Free Jacks as MLR’s greatest team but also made them the first North American professional sports team to achieve three consecutive championships since 2002. The organization has also hosted the MLR Eastern Conference Championship four consecutive times, demonstrating the team’s drawing power and importance to the league.
New England Free Jacks Achievements and Results
The New England Free Jacks have established themselves as the most successful franchise in Major League Rugby history through an unprecedented run of championships and individual accolades. In just six seasons of official competition, the organization has built a legacy of excellence that may stand for generations.
Major League Rugby Championship
The Free Jacks have won three consecutive MLR Championships, becoming the first and only team in league history to achieve this feat. Their 2023 championship came via a dramatic 25–24 victory over the San Diego Legion at SeatGeek Stadium, with Le Roux Malan’s 76th-minute try proving decisive. The 2024 championship resulted in a 20–11 win over the Seattle Seawolves at Snapdragon Stadium, making the Free Jacks the second team in MLR history to win back-to-back titles. Their 2025 championship saw them defeat the Houston SaberCats 28–22 to complete the historic three-peat, with Brock Webster named Championship Game MVP.
Eastern Conference Championships
The Free Jacks have won three consecutive Eastern Conference Championships, establishing dominance in their conference. Their 2023 conference title came with a 25–7 victory over Old Glory DC. The 2024 conference championship was won 23–17 against the Chicago Hounds. In 2025, the team completed another dramatic comeback, overcoming a 17–0 deficit to defeat the Chicago Hounds 21–20 with Kyle Ciquera’s 77th-minute try. The Free Jacks have also hosted the Eastern Conference Championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium for four consecutive years, from 2022 through 2025.