Coming off their historic threepeat Major League Rugby Championship, the New England Free Jacks welcomed five world-class collegiate rugby players to the club in the 2025 MLR Draft. The Free Jacks look to build for the club’s future while maintaining its winning culture. Their selections reflect a balance of immediate impact and long-term potential, aimed at keeping New England at the top of Major League Rugby. Without further ado, here’s the Free Jacks’ 2025 draft class:

Round 1 Pick 9: Adam Chadwick

The New England Free Jacks are proud to present Adam Chadwick as the club’s first-round pick in the 2025 Major League Rugby Draft. The 5’10”, 252 lb hooker and tighthead prop from Lymington, England, planted his roots in the US by way of Life University’s top notch collegiate rugby program. Before crossing the pond, Chadwick was an ACE League Champion and represented the Bristol Bears at the U18 level. He also played at English powerhouse Hartpury College alongside the RFU’s top rising stars before becoming a three-year starter at Life University. Earning selection to the Rugby East All-Conference Team, Chadwick has made his mark with his powerful ball carrying. His vision on the pitch and composure also sets him apart as a set-piece specialist. On defense, he’s relentless, and at the breakdown, he asserts his dominance ruck after ruck. Chadwick’s high performance in America cemented him as a three-time D1A All-American and selection to the US Eagles U23.

On draft night, the first-round pick expressed his enthusiasm in a Q&A exclusive:

What was going through your mind when you heard your name called in the first round of the MLR Draft?

Adam Chadwick: “Excitement and stress relief. Mainly excitement going to a team with a dynasty like New England. Can’t get much better than that.”

What aspects of your game are you most excited to develop under the Free Jacks coaching staff?

AC: “I think my defensive work. New England has such a strong defense and the ability to suffocate teams. That’s something I can’t wait to get stuck into.”

New England has one of the most passionate fan bases in MLR. What message would you like to share with Free Jacks fans?

AC: “To the Free Jacks fans; thank you for the incredible support and energy you bring. I can’t wait to put on the jersey and represent New England with pride. I’ll give everything I have each time I step on the field, and I’m excited to share this journey with you all.”

Round 2 Pick 10: Tevita Mapa

The Free Jacks selected Tevita Mapa, a 5’10”, 243 lb flanker, for the club’s first second round pick. Born in Oakland, CA with Tongan roots and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Mapa began his rugby journey in Australia with the Melbourne Rebels, representing the club from the ages of 12 to 17. He also went on to play for the Queensland Reds U16 & Queensland Reds 7s U17. Once in high school, Tevita made the 1st XV at St. Joseph’s Nudgee College just north of Brisbane. After graduation, Mapa moved on to the University of Queensland Elite Mens 7s and also made his Premier Grade debut in 2023 for Brothers Rugby Club. Once he made his way to Marietta, Georgia, Tevita Mapa was a stalwart on Life University’s 2023 ARP Championship winning side. Mapa is a hard ball carrier that demonstrates excellent footwork and great knowledge of the game. He is a jackaling expert in rucks and holds authority over the pitch on defense. His commanding playstyle earned him selection for the Rugby East All-Conference Team in 2024 & 2025, as well as 2025 D1A All American selection. 

Round 2 Pick 17: Leon Best

For New England’s second second-round pick, the Free Jacks selected Leon Best, a 6’2”, 250 lb tighthead prop from Spring, Texas. Being the son of missionaries, his family moved to South Africa when he was a young boy. He started playing rugby barefoot at primary school in Cape Town, South Africa. Not long after, Best was selected for the U12 & U13 Western Province team. He played his high school rugby at Paarl Boy’s High School and was granted the opportunity to play for Grant Khomo Western Province U16. Following high school, Leon came back to Texas and played a short stint with the Woodlands’ local men’s club and was selected for the EIRA’s U19 tour of Spain. Best went on to be recruited by Life University and also represented the US Eagles U20 at the World Rugby Trophy tournament in Kenya. He was also selected for the East vs. West College Rugby Showcase. 

Round 3 Pick 19:  Jack Worobel

Jack Worobel is a Free Jacks Academy member who was selected as the Free Jacks’ first third-round pick. Worobel is a 6’2”, 235 lb lock hailing from Exeter, New Hampshire. Worobel began his rugby journey his freshman year of college at the University of Vermont. He was selected to the NCR All American team and was selected twice to represent the Independents Red team in the NCR. He was also named for the Independents’ tours of Scotland and Ireland. By the end of his time at the University of Vermont, he was captaining the same side that had introduced him to rugby.


Round 3 Pick 26: Remy Thomson

Remy Thomson is another former Free Jacks Academy member and was selected as the Free Jacks’ second third-round pick. Thomson is a 5’5”, 165 lb scrum-half from Oxford, England. Just like first-round pick Adam Chadwick, Thomson played for Hartpury College before making his way to Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio. In 2023 he captained Notre Dame College to a NCR National Championship. After Notre Dame College closed it’s doors, Thomson and his teammates moved to Walsh University, where he captained the team and was selected as a NCR All American in 2024 and co-captained the select side in 2025. 

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With their 2025 draft class now in place, the Free Jacks continue to shape a roster that blends championship winning and international test rugby experience with youthful energy. Each selection was a step forward to sustaining the Free Jacks’ standard of excellence on and off the pitch. As these new faces prepare to wear the red, white, and blue hoops, the Free Jacks’ future looks as bright as ever.

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