Owen Clarke — Back Row 

The Pick

Owen Clarke’s path to the Free Jacks is anything but conventional. A two-way athlete who spent his college years as a Division I football player before pivoting back to rugby, Clarke brings rare physical tools to New England: a hard-charging running style, big-play athleticism, and strong tackling and set-piece work in both the lineout and the scrum.

The Bio

Clarke’s rugby résumé started in middle school and carried him to two All-American seasons in high school at Staples (Westport, CT) and Choate Rosemary Hall, along with invitations to three USA Rugby camps. He went on to represent the USA U20 side in Amsterdam, starting and scoring in two of three matches as the U.S. won the tournament.

At Brown, Clarke spent four years as a defensive end, starting two seasons across 30 games and earning National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society honors. This past spring, with football finished, he returned to rugby full-time — starting for Brown’s 7s side as it finished ranked top five nationally, then starting for the NCR All-Star tournament champions in January. He was named an NCR All-American and NCR Scholastic All-American, and most recently started both of his appearances for the Free Jacks Independents. Clarke has also come up through the Free Jacks Academy, giving the coaching staff an up-close look at his development well before draft day.

Cormac Saint — Scrumhalf

The Pick

Cormac Saint arrives in New England after a standout senior season running the show at scrumhalf for the Cal Golden Bears. At 6’0″, 185 lbs, Saint brings the size to match up physically at the professional level while retaining the game management and distribution skills that made him a fixture in Cal’s matchday 23.

The Bio

Born in England before his family relocated to the U.S., Saint grew up playing for Mother Lode Rugby Club, where he served as team captain on multiple occasions, before moving through top developmental pathways including the Bay Area Sharks and Giltinis rugby academies. His representative career includes stints with the Celtic Barbarians and NorCal All Stars, and he helped the North American Lions finish as runner-up at the 2021 Dubai 7s U19 invitational.

A four-year football letterman at Ponderosa High School who graduated with a 3.92 GPA, Saint balanced a business degree at Cal with reserve Sevens duty before making his mark as a fifteens scrumhalf. His college coaches point to his composure and leadership as what stands out most: one noted that Saint “consistently exercises good judgment and adjusts his style to captain our team, to motivate and form a cohesive team group” — the kind of quality the Free Jacks value as he begins his professional career in New England.

William Lindsay — Utility Back

The Pick

William Lindsay brings leadership and instincts to New England’s back line. A senior captain at Mary Washington, Lindsay was the player his team leaned on in the biggest moments — the kind of composure under pressure the Free Jacks look for in a pick. 

The Bio

A native of Christchurch, New Zealand, and a Christchurch Boys High School product, Lindsay grew up playing rugby, rowing, and rugby league before serving as his high school’s Rowing Captain. At Mary Washington, the 5’10” back capped his senior season by captaining the Eagles to a 24-18 win over St. Thomas in the Cowpens Bowl, breaking the line for 20 meters off a fielded kick to spark the scoring sequence and coming up with a crucial defensive penalty late to help seal the win. 

Comments from GM Todd Thornley

“We’re really pleased with all three of our picks and excited to hold their rights as we head into an important contracting period for the 2027 season. Our draft process was extensive, and we’re grateful to the many people across the rugby community who helped us evaluate and understand these players. Most importantly, all three have the right qualities to continue developing and put themselves in a position to become MLR players. That’s ultimately what we’re looking for at this stage, players with the ability, character, and work ethic to keep progressing.”

Stay up to date with our latest signings and all Free Jacks news by subscribing to our new and improved weekly news letter!

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

QUINCY, Mass. — August 18, 2026 — The New England Free Jacks Academy today announced its new slate of programming for the 2026–27 season, offering rugby development opportunities for players and coaches at every stage of the game. Built on the same philosophy that drives the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby, the Academy’s 2026–27 calendar features two elite performance pathways, seasonal skills and strength & conditioning programs, a virtual coaching education series, and youth outreach throughout the region.

“Our goal with the Academy calendar is to provide the best possible rugby experience for our community and create high-performance outcomes through memorable rugby experiences. We want to complement, not conflict with the great work already being done across our rugby community. By working together and providing clear, purposeful opportunities for players and coaches at different stages of their development, we can continue to strengthen the entire rugby ecosystem across New England.”

— Todd Thornley, General Manager, New England Free Jacks

 Elite Performance Pathways

Free Jacks U18 –  The Academy’s premier boys’ performance pathway has sent more than 100 alumni on to top collegiate rugby programs since launching in 2021, with several earning selection to USA Rugby age-grade national teams. The 2027 season runs late May through early July and includes open tryouts (May 23 and May 30), weekly high-performance training, a two-to-three-game domestic season, and an optional international tour to Ireland in partnership with Cara Group Travel. Athletes will train alongside experienced Academy coaches, with appearances throughout the season from Free Jacks senior coaches and professional players. Registration is $350 and covers all domestic programming, with tour costs collected separately; tryouts, training and home matches will be held at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy.

Free Jacks U23 – New England’s premier U23 development program is designed to complement the collegiate rugby calendar and has produced at least one Major League Rugby draft pick every year since 2021. Led by Head Coach Nate Brakely, a former USA Eagle, the 2027 season runs early May through mid-June, with tryouts on May 2 and a weeklong Ireland tour set for June 7–18. Registration is $150, with tour fees collected separately.

Fall Programs

Fall 7’s Program – A seven-week offering built around six Sunday training sessions (October 18 – November 22) at Legion Field in Weymouth, with the option to compete alongside the Academy at the historic New York 7’s Tournament on Randall’s Island on November 28. Registration is $350 for training only, or $400 including the tournament.

Winter Programs

Winter Development Program – Six weeks of fundamentals-focused training (January 17 – February 21) led by Free Jacks Head Coach Ryan Martin, held at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy and geared toward high school athletes preparing for the MIAA spring season.

Winter Strength & Conditioning Program – A 12-session program (February 10 – March 21) led by Free Jacks Physical Performance Staff, held at Free Jacks Headquarters in Quincy and designed to help high school athletes elevate their physical preparation heading into spring.

Coaching Development and Youth Opportunities

Virtual Coaching Development Series –  Coaches at every level — youth, high school, collegiate and club — can learn directly from the Free Jacks coaching and management staff across five one-hour virtual sessions combining instruction with live Q&A. The series runs five consecutive Wednesday evenings, January 6 – February 3, and closes with a special session led by a special guest. 

U16 Tropical 7’s Experience – Selected U16 athletes will represent the Free Jacks Academy at the Tropical 7’s Tournament in Tampa, Florida, March 25–26, following two preparation training sessions in March.

Free Jacks School Visits – Through the Academy’s “Rugby in a Bag” initiative, the Free Jacks have brought interactive PE class takeovers to more than 150 schools across New England, introducing rugby to students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Schools interested in a visit can contact Jill Isenstadt at jill.isenstadt@freejacks.com.

Community Coach Day –  Spend a day inside the New England Free Jacks preseason environment.

Join Free Jacks General Manager and former professional coach Todd Thornley for an exclusive Community Coach Day, offering coaches the opportunity to experience a full day of professional rugby preparation from the inside.

Observe preseason training sessions, team meetings, planning, and the day-to-day processes that go into preparing a professional rugby team for the season. Gain insight into high-performance coaching, player development, team culture, and the standards required at the professional level.

This is a unique opportunity to learn, observe, ask questions, and experience the Free Jacks environment firsthand alongside Todd and the coaching staff.

About the New England Free Jacks Academy

The New England Free Jacks Academy is the player and coach development arm of the New England Free Jacks, offering pathways for athletes and coaches at every stage of the game — from first-time youth players to elite U23 athletes preparing for professional rugby. Built on the same philosophy that drives the Free Jacks’ Major League Rugby program, the Academy combines elite coaching, meaningful competition and international opportunities to help its community reach its full potential.

Registration is open now for all 2026–27 Academy programs. Full schedules, pricing and registration links for each offering are available at https://freejacks.com/academy-2-0/

Stay up to date with our latest signings and all Free Jacks news by subscribing to our new and improved weekly news letter!

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

Three rounds into the Bunnings NPC, six players with New England ties are putting in real minutes across three New Zealand provinces, and the experience is proving to be more than just an offseason assignment. Joe Johnston, Sione Tupou, Reuben Palmer, and Filipe Vakasiuola are all part of the Bay of Plenty setup, Tayne Hemopo is turning out for Tasman Mako, and Nathan Salmon is back home with Northland. It has been a busy few days for the group, headlined by Northland’s 42-0 win over Taranaki, a Ranfurly Shield thriller for Bay of Plenty in Christchurch, and a big bonus point win for Tasman up in Pukekohe. Free Jacks assistant coach Pingi Tala’apitaga, who is an assistant coach at Bay of Plenty this NPC season, and Salmon himself shared their take on what this stretch means for their games.

PINGI’S VIEW FROM THE SIDELINE

Tala’apitaga has a unique vantage point this year, watching several of his Free Jacks up close in Bay of Plenty colors while keeping an eye on Hemopo and Salmon from a distance.

“In terms of what it’s like to coach the FJs boys in NPC, the MLR has been great for their further development. Just being entrenched in a professional environment all year round has seen growth in all the Bay boys in particular. Also watching Tayne for Tasman and Salmon for Northland, it’s clear that they’ve taken a lot out of their American experience. Some of their performances have been fantastic.”

He also sees the arrangement as a two-way street for his own development as a coach.

“In terms of how does coaching in the NPC impact my coaching in the MLR, it just gives me another opportunity to try things, apply learning I’ve taken from MLR, and just generally further enhance myself in coaching craft.”

THREE ROUNDS IN: WHERE EVERYONE STANDS

Joe Johnston has been the most consistent presence of the group, starting all two rounds at openside flanker and the third at blindside flanker for Bay of Plenty and playing every minute available, including the full eighty in both the Steamers’ 34-31 win over Northland in round two and their 33-28 Ranfurly Shield defeat to Canterbury in round three. Sione Tupou and Reuben Palmer have both been in and around the matchday squad every week, Tupou starting at hooker in round one before making way early and then providing bench impact in rounds two and three, with Palmer doing the same from lock. Filipe Vakasiuola has been named in the wider squad most weeks but has yet to see the field, left out of the matchday twenty-three entirely in rounds one and three.

Up in Nelson, Tayne Hemopo started Tasman’s first two matches at blindside flanker before shifting to the bench in round three, coming on in the 24th minute of Tasman’s big 50-35 win at Counties Manukau. The Mako have now won two of three, with wing Kyren Taumoefolau the story of that latest result after a stunning five-try haul.

And then there is Salmon, who opened his NPC campaign with a two-try performance against Manawatu, was involved for 66 minutes in that thriller against Bay of Plenty, and started all eighty minutes on the wing in Northland’s rout of Taranaki last week.

NORTHLAND SHUT OUT TARANAKI 42-0

Northland needed less than 20 seconds to get on the board at Semenoff Stadium, and flanker Lachlan Hooper made sure everyone noticed, racing in for a first half hat-trick inside the opening 23 minutes. James Mullan and first five Rivez Reihana added further tries either side of the hour mark, with Reihana slotting six conversions on the night, and Grady Forbes rounded out the scoring late on. Salmon started on the wing and played the full match without adding to his try tally this time, but he was part of a Northland performance that kept Taranaki scoreless from start to finish.

Salmon said playing NPC rugby means something different to him than any other competition he features in.

“What I enjoy most about the NPC, it’s home. It’s getting to play and represent my people, those who have gone and those who are yet to come. And playing under Marto, the magician, my game has really grown. Third year under him and he’s really helped me grow to that next level.”

A RANFURLY SHIELD THRILLER AND A TASMAN ROUT

Bay of Plenty took their Ranfurly Shield challenge to Christchurch on Saturday and came up just short, falling 33-28 to a Canterbury side that has now won all three of its games this season. Trailing 21-7 at halftime, the Steamers stormed back with a Benet Kumeroa double either side of tries from Lucas Cashmore and Reon Paul to level the scores at 28-28, only for Canterbury replacement Toby Bell to cross in the 70th minute and settle it. Joe Johnston played every minute at blindside flanker for the third straight week, while Reuben Palmer and Sione Tupou both came off the bench in the 51st minute for lock and hooker duty respectively. Filipe Vakasiuola was left out of the twenty-three again.

A day later, Tasman put on a show at Navigation Homes Stadium, beating Counties Manukau 50-35 behind a stunning five-try performance from wing Kyren Taumoefolau. Tayne Hemopo came off the bench in the 24th minute and played the rest of the match as Tasman moved to two wins from three.

Northland’s win over Taranaki lifted the Taniwha to fourth in the table, with Canterbury now second behind Hawke’s Bay, Tasman up to seventh after their big win, and Bay of Plenty eighth heading into round four.

WHAT’S NEXT

The schedule turns over quickly. Northland travels to Canterbury on Thursday, August 20, Bay of Plenty hosts Taranaki on Saturday, August 22, and Tasman is back in action the same day against Southland. Freejacks.com will keep tracking how the NPC continues to shape this group as the season builds toward the playoffs. Stay tuned for more.

Stay up to date with our latest signings and all Free Jacks news by subscribing to our new and improved weekly news letter!

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

While New England’s offseason continues, six Free Jacks are already back in action on the other side of the world. As the 2026 Bunnings NPC kicked off across New Zealand last weekend, Tayne Hemopo, Reuben Palmer, Filipe Vakasiuola, Sione Tupou, Joe Johnston, and Nathan Salmon all took the field for their home provinces. Between them, they cover three provinces, three position groups, and one very intriguing collision course. Here’s how round one went, and what’s coming up this weekend.

TAYNE HEMOPO HELPS TASMAN SURVIVE A SCARE

Tasman Mako needed every bit of their round one grit to hold off North Harbour 31-29 at Trafalgar Park on Friday. Tayne Hemopo started at openside flanker and played 68 minutes in a tight, back-and-forth contest that swung on a Kyren Taumoefolau hat-trick and tries from Cooper Roberts and Leo Marfell. North Harbour battled all the way to the final whistle, with Tom Barham crossing twice, but Tasman’s forward platform, Hemopo included, held up when it mattered most. 

NATHAN SALMON SCORES TWICE IN NORTHLAND ROUT

Up in Whangarei, Nathan Salmon picked up right where he left off with the Free Jacks in Quincy. The winger scored twice as Northland put away Manawatu 40-14 at Semenoff Stadium, sharing try-scoring duties with fellow wing Brady Rush in a dominant display. It’s the same blistering speed and electric footwork that made Salmon must-watch viewing in Quincy this year, and that pace out wide put Northland on the front foot heading into round two. 

FOUR STEAMERS, ONE TOUGH OPENING NIGHT IN HAMILTON

It was a busy weekend for the Bay of Plenty contingent, with Joe Johnston, Sione Tupou, and Reuben Palmer all involved as the Steamers opened their campaign against Waikato in Hamilton. Waikato raced out to a 35-0 halftime lead, but Bay of Plenty stormed back in the second half, outscoring their hosts 26-3 after the break to snatch a losing bonus point in a 38-26 defeat.

Johnston started at openside flanker and played the full eighty as part of the pack that steadied the ship after a rough first forty. Tupou started at hooker but was forced off early, in the 13th minute, with Taine Kolose taking over the role. Palmer came off the bench in the second half, replacing lock Jai Knight in the 48th minute and adding fresh legs up front as the Steamers found their rhythm late. Filipe Vakasiuola was not named in the matchday twenty-three for round one.

“Playing with a few of the boys from Free Jacks back in my home province in the NPC is a dream come true” said Palmer. “It’s also really cool for us to be able to reflect and look back at the memories we made together with the Free Jacks.”

LOOKING AHEAD: NORTHLAND HOSTS BAY OF PLENTY

The headline act of round two is a Free Jacks family reunion of sorts. Northland travels to Rotorua International Stadium to face Bay of Plenty on Saturday, August 8, with kickoff set for 5:05 p.m. local time. Confirmed lineups have Nathan Salmon starting on the wing for Northland, while Bay of Plenty hands Joe Johnston another start at blindside flanker and names Sione Tupou, Filipe Vakasiuola, and Reuben Palmer all among the replacements.

The Free Jacks connection to this one runs well beyond the playing group. Head coach Ryan Martin is also in charge at Northland, with James Doyle, the Free Jacks’ Head of Strength and Conditioning, and Colton Bennett, the club’s Performance Analyst, both part of his staff there too. On the other side, Free Jacks assistant coach Pingi Tala’apitaga does double duty as an assistant coach for Bay of Plenty, the same role in which he helped develop Tupou and Vakasiuola through the Steamers program.

“It’s fantastic to see so many of our young Free Jacks players gaining valuable experience in New Zealand’s NPC competition,” said Coach Martin. “It’s exciting to watch our players continue to develop and perform at a high level on the international stage.”

Northland arrives full of confidence off a 26-point win and sits second in the table after round one, while Bay of Plenty will be looking to bounce back from that tough Waikato opener, currently 10th in the standings. Salmon’s finishing form makes him a threat out wide against a Bay of Plenty defense still searching for its shape after conceding 35 first-half points last week. The Steamers, for their part, showed real character in their comeback and will look to carry that second-half energy into a full eighty minutes this time out, with Johnston’s experience at the breakdown and a bench stacked with Tupou, Vakasiuola, and Palmer likely to play a big role up front.

For Free Jacks fans, it is a rare chance to watch four teammates go head to head with a former teammate on the other side. Keep an eye on the schedule for how it unfolds, and stay tuned to freejacks.com for more updates as our players continue to make their mark in the NPC this season.

Stay up to date with our latest signings and all Free Jacks news by subscribing to our new and improved weekly news letter!

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

August 5 2026

The New England Free Jacks congratulate Oscar Lennon on his return to Bristol Bears ahead of the 2026/27 season following an outstanding campaign in Major League Rugby.

After joining the Free Jacks from Hartpury RFC, Lennon quickly established himself as one of the competition’s premier scrum-halves. Combining composure, game management, and relentless work ethic, Oscar became an integral part of the Free Jacks’ throughout the season while continuing his development in the Freejack’s daily professional rugby environments.

His performances earned widespread recognition, culminating in two of the club’s highest individual honors. Lennon was named the Delta Player of the Year, recognizing his consistent excellence on the field, while also receiving the First Regiment Fans’ Player of the Year Award, a testament to the impact he made on the passionate Free Jacks supporter base both on and off the pitch.

General Manager Todd Thornley reflected on Lennon’s season:

“Oscar embraced every opportunity during his time with the Free Jacks. He arrived with a tremendous attitude, displayed exemplary character off the field, and improved every single day, making his growth over the course of the season exceptional.

One of our objectives as a club is to provide a platform where ambitious players can continue to develop and elevate their careers as better players and better people. Oscar is a fantastic example of that, and we’re incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey. We thank him for everything he brought to the Free Jacks and wish him every success as he returns to Bristol Bears.”

Everyone at the Free Jacks thanks Oscar for his outstanding contribution during his time in New England and wishes him the very best as he begins the next chapter of his career with Bristol Bears.

Stay up to date with our latest signings and all Free Jacks news by subscribing to our new and improved weekly news letter!

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

With the 2026 season in the rearview, the three-time Major League Rugby (MLR) champions have set course for the future by re-signing Ryan Martin as head coach and Todd Thornley as general manager. Now in the position of challenger to a new MLR shield holder, the pair are eager to return the Free Jacks back to the top of America’s highest level of professional rugby.

“I’m highly motivated to keep chasing success with this team. We’ve built something special together, and I believe the continuity within our management group, coaching staff and playing squad gives us a fantastic platform to keep growing and competing for championships,” said Martin.

Martin will begin his fourth season as head coach of the New England Free Jacks. Martin’s tenure spans two time periods as he served as the Free Jacks’ inaugural coach from 2020 to 2021 before returning in 2025. Upon his return, Martin led the Free Jacks to their third-straight MLR title. He also earned MLR Coach of the Year honors during the 2025 title season.

Thornley joined the Free Jacks at the start of the 2026 season. He has spent over a decade working across collegiate, professional, and national team rugby in the United States. His previous career stops include Central Washington University (head coach), UCLA Bruins Men’s Rugby, and the MLR’s California Legion. At the national level, Thornley served as Head Coach of the USA’s U19 and U23 programs and as an assistant with the U20 national team. 

“I am excited to continue this  journey with the Free Jacks and grateful for the opportunity to help shape the club’s future,” said Thornley. “I look forward to building a brand that our players, staff, supporters, and the wider New England community can be proud of. It is an incredible opportunity to continue working alongside Ryan and the rest of our staff as we evolve the organization and strengthen our brand footprint in North America.”

Beyond the Free Jacks’ history of success, the passion of the fans and the unique environment that is Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy will keep both with the club as rugby and the MLR continues to grow in the US ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

“One of the things that makes this club so unique is the connection we have with our fans. Their passion and support mean everything to us and I’m looking forward to continuing to build those relationships both on and off the field. I can’t wait for what’s ahead for next season,” said Martin.

Stay up to date with our latest signings and all Free Jacks news by subscribing to our new and improved weekly news letter!

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

While much of the sporting public have had all eyes on the FIFA World Cup, two Free Jacks Academy players, Orlando Isturis and Cillian O’Callaghan, have positioned themselves to play as seniors for their country as rugby grows its profile in the US and looks to the Rugby World Cup in 2031.

The pair from Boston College High School competed with the USA U18s in South America from July 11-19. Isturis played at scrum half and O’Callaghan at hooker as the American development squad went 1-2 in three matches against U18s from Uruguay (26-29 loss), Brazil (36-26 win), and Buenos Aires Academy (0-40 loss).

“Orlando and Cillian have been excellent additions to the group, both on and off the field,” USA U18s Head Coach Luke Lewis. “On field, they have great game understanding and attention to detail. Off the field, they’ve been a pleasure to have in the environment—big personalities that are enjoying their time here.”

Ahead of the international action, Isturis credited the Free Jacks Academy with helping to advance his skills on the pitch.

“The Junior Jacks gave me a great opportunity to compete at a higher academy level like training with the senior players in the winter which pushed me to keep improving as a player. Being surrounded by great players and coaches definitely helped prepare me for the intensity and standard of the USA U18s,” said Isturis.

Looking forward, both players will complete their playing careers with defending Massachusetts State Champions BC High over the coming school year. 

“We’re incredibly proud of Orlando and Cillian for earning their USA U18 caps. Their selection reflects the hard work they’ve put in and on of the key performance indicators of our Academy.” Said Free Jacks General Manager Todd Thornley. “We want to continue casting our net wide across New England to create more opportunities for talented young athletes to represent the USA on the international stage. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we reshape our Academy for the 2026–27 academic year with some exciting new initiatives.“ 

Photos by Marcos Harispe

Stay up to date with our latest signings and all Free Jacks news by subscribing to our new and improved weekly news letter!

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

The New England Free Jacks come off of an integral 2026 season with their annual banquet and award night. The celebration highlights stand-out Free Jacks set to receive awards for their excellence and dedication to the team and franchise both on and off the pitch. From exemplary character to palpable improvement on the pitch, select Free Jacks are recognized for their noteworthy 2026 performances.

Rookie of the Year

Sione Tupou

Sione Tupou has been named Rookie of the Year following his outstanding achievements at Hooker this season. With appearances in every match, Tupou scored six tries — his most notable performance coming in round six against the California Legion, when he crossed for two tries in just the first half during the Free Jacks’ 100th game in Major League Rugby.

Breakthrough Player of the Year

Nate Sylvia

Nate Sylvia was awarded Breakthrough Player of the Year, given to the Free Jack who has proven to be a dynamic, attentive player on the pitch. At Prop, Sylvia clutched one try, an 86 percent success rate in tackles attempted, and 81 tackles made across nine appearances — pitching him as the most improved player of the season.

Forward of the Year

Jacob Norris

Forward of the Year was awarded to Jacob Norris, a powerhouse Flanker who clocked 787 minutes of playing time while appearing in every match this season. With 116 carrying metres, 28 lineouts won, and 194 attempted tackles, Norris proved himself a dominant forward throughout the 2026 season.

Back of the Year

Joel Hodgson

Joel Hodgson absolutely dominated on the pitch this season, earning him Back of the Year. A reliable, sniper of a fly-half, Hodgson appeared in all ten matches, playing 800 minutes with 75 total points, 20 completed conversions, 100 carries, 436 carrying metres, 3,555 kick metres, and 208 passes. A stable and sharp-shooting presence, Hodgson proved integral to the success of the Free Jacks this season.

Player’s Player of the Year

Jacob Norris

Along with Forward of the Year, Norris was awarded Player’s Player of the Year — nominated by his peers for being a constant example of Free Jacks culture, work ethic, and attitude both on and off the pitch. Between his consistent tight performance across all ten matches and his unrelenting enthusiasm among his teammates, Norris was a natural choice for the honor.

Delta Player of the Year

Oscar Lennon

Appearing in all ten matches this season and scoring 25 points at Scrum-Half, Oscar Lennon was named Delta Player of the Year. With 618 passes made, 205 carrying metres, 1,607 kick metres, and 13 retained kicks, Lennon has been pivotal in moving the ball and kickstarting integral scoring plays. His quiet leadership at Scrum-Half established his best season yet. Oscar also received the 1st Regiment Fan’s Player of the Year Award.

Minuteman Award

Ben Lesage

The Minuteman Award is the highest honor of the annual awards, recognizing excellence of character not only on the pitch, but more importantly off it. It is given to the Free Jack who exemplifies innate selflessness, leadership, and pride in fostering their community.

This year’s recipient, Ben Lesage, has been a pillar of that character. Beyond his leadership on the field, Lesage has given back through his work with Operation Sock Drop, food deliveries for veterans, an Inmate Book Club, and coaching Mixed Abilities rugby with the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club. He is exactly the kind of person the Minuteman Award was created to celebrate.

Written by Maeve Fitzgerald

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

Stay up to date with our latest signings and all Free Jacks news by subscribing to our new and improved weekly news letter!

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

For many across the South Shore veteran community, Gregg Brasso is a familiar voice. As the longtime host of Veterans Voice on WATD, he has dedicated himself to connecting veterans with resources, support, and one another. A Weymouth native, Gregg’s path to community leadership was anything but conventional. After attending Massasoit Community College and Bridgewater State University, where he played collegiate sports, he worked a variety of jobs before reinventing himself at age 30 through computer training. He went on to build a successful career in the technology industry, but his greatest impact would ultimately come through his tireless service to veterans and their families.

After years in the field, Gregg was looking for a new direction. In 2013, a cold call to WATD Radio led him to launch Veterans Voice, a program dedicated to supporting veterans and their families by connecting them with critical resources and information. He created the show to raise awareness around veterans’ issues and benefits, with topics including healthcare access, GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits, housing, career opportunities, PTSD treatment, legal support, the Valor Acts I and II, and issues affecting women veterans.

Through the program, Gregg has partnered with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services, helping amplify awareness of benefits and resources available to veterans in every town across the state. His work has played a key role in connecting veterans and their families with the support systems designed to serve them.

Gregg’s motivation for starting the show came from a simple goal: to help veterans and their families better understand and access the benefits they have earned. Today, he continues to be a strong voice and advocate within the veteran community through his ongoing work on Veterans Voice.

13 years later the impact of that mission has grown far beyond what Gregg ever imagined, reaching thousands of veterans and families and continuing to expand its reach across Massachusetts and beyond.

In 2020, Gregg and his team launched a food donation program for veterans and active-duty service members to help combat food insecurity. The initiative was inspired by an experience serving Thanksgiving dinner to individuals experiencing homelessness, which highlighted the growing need for reliable access to food within the community.

Dubbed “A Drive-Thru to Get You Through,” the program provides monthly food distributions on the second Thursday of every month. What began as a small community effort quickly evolved into a sustained initiative, supported by a dedicated network of volunteers and strengthened through ongoing outreach efforts.

Over the past six years, the program has distributed more than 500,000 pounds of food to veterans, military families, and community members in need. Its impact has continued to grow through partnerships with local organizations, including serving as a beneficiary of the U.S. Postal Service’s annual canned food drive.

For Gregg, the program’s success is measured not only by the pounds of food distributed, but by the connections built through service. As he often says, “We don’t know who smiles more – the people receiving the food or the people giving it away.” Today, the program remains a powerful example of how a simple act of kindness can grow into a lasting community resource.

While addressing food insecurity has been a cornerstone of Gregg’s service to the veteran community, it is far from his only area of focus. Through his work with veterans, Gregg became increasingly aware of another critical challenge facing those who served: Parkinson’s disease.

Recognizing the growing impact of Parkinson’s disease among veterans, Gregg established a dedicated Parkinson’s Pavilion as part of his annual Veteran’s Festival. While Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 1% of the general population, an estimated 11% of veterans are impacted, a disparity often linked to exposure to Agent Orange during military service.

The pavilion brings together leading Parkinson’s researchers, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and technology innovators under one roof, creating a centralized hub for veterans and their families to learn about the latest developments in treatment, care, and disease management. Organizations such as Boston Scientific have played a key role in connecting attendees with valuable information and support services, helping veterans better understand their options and access the resources they need. 

Through the Parkinson’s Pavilion, Gregg has helped create a space where veterans can access critical information, connect with experts, and find support in addressing one of the most significant health challenges facing the veteran community today.

Gregg’s impact on the veteran community can be measured not only by the programs he has helped create, but by the countless lives he has touched along the way. Through years of dedicated service, he has become a trusted advocate, a connector of people and resources, and a driving force for positive change. At the heart of Gregg’s work is a simple commitment to serving those who have served our country – a commitment that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

The 2026 Veteran’s Music Festival, VA Benefits, and Career Expo will be held on Saturday, July 18, at Pageant Field in Quincy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please join Gregg Brasso of Veterans Voice Radio and the New England Free Jacks in celebrating and supporting the veteran community!

Get Involved Today

The Free Jacks are looking for Impact Free Jack nominees from all walks of life and every corner of New England who have the power to transcend boundaries and create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others. Honorees will be celebrated at each of the Free Jacks’ home games.

This partnership with Massachusetts State Lottery aims to highlight and reward everyday heroes who embody the values of service and community, aligning with the Free Jacks’ mission of making a positive impact both on and off the field.

If you have a colleague, neighbor, friend, or loved one that deserves recognition for their community contributions, please nominate them here.

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news

Growing up in Connecticut before moving to Montana during high school, Jen’s introduction to rugby came from an unexpected place: a Lands’ End catalog. While flipping through its pages, she noticed an article about the U.S. Women’s Eagles National Team. Curious about the sport and the possibilities it offered for young female athletes, she became intrigued. What started as a simple magazine feature would eventually shape decades of her life.

When it came time to choose a college, finding a school with a women’s rugby program was a top priority. Jen ultimately attended Colgate College, where she played rugby for four years as a second row and at flanker, developing her skills and passion for the game while competing at a high level.

After graduating from Colgate College, Jen continued her rugby career with Boston Women’s Rugby, where she played for many years and eventually served as club president. During her time in leadership, she helped organize fundraising efforts for the regional finals, which led her to work closely with the Boston Irish Wolfhounds men’s team that would go on to play a major role in her return to rugby.

Jen later continued her playing career with the Charles River Rugby Football Club before retiring from the sport to focus on raising her family. When looking for a way to introduce her son to rugby as he got older, Jen remembered the strong community she had experienced with the Wolfhounds. She enrolled her son in the club’s youth rugby program, reconnecting with the sport that had played such an important role throughout her life.

She initially returned to the rugby community expecting to be just another parent on the sidelines. But before long, the club needed additional support, and Jen was eager to lend a hand. What started as volunteering quickly grew into a much larger role within the organization.

Today, Jen oversees the administrative operations of the youth rugby program, playing a vital role in expanding opportunities for young athletes and helping the organization continue to grow. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, she spent several years as a volunteer coach for young athletes, sharing her knowledge of the game and helping introduce the next generation to the sport she has loved for so much of her life.

From player to club leader, coach, parent, and administrator, Jen’s rugby journey has come full circle. Her dedication and passion continue to make a lasting impact on youth rugby, helping create opportunities for young players to develop both on and off the field, but it doesn’t stop there. 

As Jen became more involved in youth rugby, she recognized a gap in opportunities for girls. While the Wolfhounds offered girls rugby through sixth grade, there were limited options for players who wanted to continue competing in a girls-only environment as they got older. Jen believed that young female athletes deserved a clear pathway to stay in the sport, develop their skills, and grow alongside other girls who shared their passion for rugby.

Driven by that vision, Jen helped launch the Wolfhounds High School Girls team in 2025 and currently serves as the team’s assistant coach. The following year, she expanded those opportunities even further by establishing girls teams for seventh and eighth graders, creating a complete development pathway that allows female athletes to progress through the sport from youth rugby into high school; being one of the first across New England. 

For Jen, the effort extends beyond rugby itself. She believes every girl should have access to opportunities that allow them to grow through sports and gain the confidence that comes from being part of a team.

When asked what the growth of women’s sports means to her, Jen reflected on the impact athletics can have on young athletes’ lives.

“It’s about empowering girls to feel like they can go out into the world and do what they want to do,” she said. “Sports give them the confidence to achieve the things they want to achieve and the belief that they can accomplish them.”

Today, Jen continues to help shape the future of girls rugby in New England, ensuring that the next generation of athletes has the same opportunities that helped shape her own lifelong connection to the game. As she likes to say, “Rugby is the best-kept secret in Greater Boston for kids.”

We are proud to honor Jen Fedin for her years of dedicated volunteering, and the lasting impact she had made for girls rugby. 

Get Involved Today

The Free Jacks are looking for Impact Free Jack nominees from all walks of life and every corner of New England who have the power to transcend boundaries and create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others. Honorees will be celebrated at each of the Free Jacks’ home games.

This partnership with Massachusetts State Lottery aims to highlight and reward everyday heroes who embody the values of service and community, aligning with the Free Jacks’ mission of making a positive impact both on and off the field.

If you have a colleague, neighbor, friend, or loved one that deserves recognition for their community contributions, please nominate them here.

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news