Please Note: This article is read using Ai software, the pronunciation of some names and places may not be accurate.

The New England Free Jacks are excited to present their 2025 Major League Rugby roster. Last season’s 2024 roster proved to be extremely successful, taking the team to back-to-back MLR championships, culminating in a hard earned victory over the Seattle Seawolves in San Diego on August 4th. High player retention underscores the Free Jacks 2025 squad – with the majority of last year’s roster returning for this year’s season, great news for Free Jacks fans.

RETURNING STANDOUTS FROM 2024

Returning players for the 2025 season includes ‘24 standouts: Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Andrew Quattrin, Kaleb Geiger, Conor Keys, Wian Conradie, Jed Melvin, Piers von Dadelszen, Oscar Lennon, Cam Nordli-Kelemeti, Jayson Potroz, Le Roux Malan, Wayne van der Bank, Ben Lesage, and Paula Balekana. 

The strong returning core of this team has proven its talent, excellence and winning pedigree. Free Jacks fans will find comfort in seeing the return of talent that brought home the silverware in ‘23 & ‘24. 

Among the returning cohort is Major League Rugby’s premier flyhalf, Jayson Potroz. Potroz returns after two amazing seasons with the Free Jacks, leading the team to back-to-back championships and earning the title of MVP during the 2023 season. A talismanic attacking threat, Potroz also captained the squad through the back-end of the 2024 season. 

2024 Major League Rugby MVP Wayne van der Bank returns for his fourth MLR season to join Potroz in the backline. Van der Bank enjoyed a record breaking season, leading the league in tackle breaks and defenders beaten, proving a nightmare for opposition defenses.

RETURNING TO NEW ENGLAND

The 2025 squad welcomes openside flanker Joe Johnston back from a year sabbatical. Johnston played for the Free Jacks for 3 seasons between 2021 and 2023 where his trademark work rate and discipline played a core role in the club’s success. The US qualified Johnston returns from a strong NPC campaign in New Zealand with Bay of Plenty. Joining Johnston in returning to the club are backs Jack Reeves and Harrison Boyle. Massachusetts-born flyhalf/fullback Harrison Boyle played for the Free Jacks between 2021 and 2022 before returning to New Zealand to complete his studies. Canadian qualified center/wing Jack Reeves was last with the Free Jacks in 2022 where he was on loan from Gloucester in the English Premiership. 

 FREE JACKS ORIGINALS

A core group of 4 players remain from the 2020 inaugural MLR season including fan favorite, Kyle Ciquera. The iconic loosehead enters his 7th season, which includes the 2019 Cara Cup. Ciquera is a New England native, which is evident in his playing style and has become a core part of the Free Jacks front row. Joining him in returning for season 6 are locks Josh Larsen (Free Jack #1) and Jackson Thiebes (Free Jack #5), as well as mercurial Irish halfback, John Poland (Free Jack #9). 

THE FREE JACK WAY

Andrew Quattrin and Ben Lesage have been excellent servants to their team and community since arriving ahead of the 2023 campaign. Leaders both on and off the field, Quattrin and Lesage have both been recipients of the S. Marcus Calloway Community Impact Award in 2022 and 2024 respectively.  Their tireless efforts in the community have been revolutionary and seen the creation of initiatives like ‘Operation Sock Drop,’ a Prison Book Program and food deliveries in collaboration with ‘Rose’s Bounty,’ a food pantry for local veterans. On-field, both played integral roles towards the 2024 championship, with Quattrin ranking highly among top carriers and tacklers in MLR. 

RETURNING TO PLAY

MLR Forward of the Year in 2023, Wian Conradie, is finishing up his rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained early last season and is set to hit the ground running in 2025 for his fourth season with the club. The Namibian international is hugely experienced, having played in 3 Rugby World Cups, and adds his trademark physicality to the Free Jacks back row. Conradie is joined by Poland, who suffered a chest injury early last season, and has returned to full-fitness. Poland played a core role in the Free Jacks 2023 championship in the 9 jersey. Kyle Ciquera suffered a season-ending knee injury towards the end of the last season, and is expected to return to play later this season. 

REINFORCEMENTS SHIP UP TO BOSTON

The Free Jacks have supplemented a strong returning contingent with significant new talent and experience ahead of the 2025 season. Joining the Free Jacks for the first time ahead of the 2025 season are Kyle Steeves, Jone Koroiduadua, Connal McInerney, Sam Caird, Jeronimo Gomez Vara, Faletoi Peni, Simon-Peter Toleafoa, Brock Webster, Josiah Morra, as well as draftees Kaipono Kayoshi, Matt Carrion, and Emanuel Lai in a development capacity. 

The Free Jacks have added size to the spine of the forward pack, including Fijian International prop Jone Koroiduadua. Koroiduadua previously played for the Flying Fijians, where he was selected to play in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Hooker, Connal McInerney, enjoyed a 7-year career with the Brumbies, in which he helped clinch a Super Rugby AU title in 2020 and led the team to multiple playoffs. 6’ 7” lock Sam Caird enters the second row from Ryan Martin’s Northland in the NPC and also brings a wealth of experience across Super Rugby and the NPC where he has played for the Waratahs and Highlanders, as well as Kintetsu in Japan’s Top League.

The demise of the rapidly improving Dallas Jackals saw the addition of 2024 MLR Forward of the Year Jeronimo Gomez Vara. The abrasive Argentinian led Dallas well over the past two-seasons, leading them to the post-season for the first time in 2024.  A lineout leader, renowned for a never-say-die attitude, the former Argentina XV and U20 player is a great pick up. Canadian International tighthead prop Kyle Steeves joins Jeronimo in making the voyage from Texas.

Keep an eye out for New Zealand talents Simon-Peter Toleafoa and Faletoi Peni from Counties Manukau and Southland respectively. Both expressed game-breaking ability in this year’s NPC and have featured for Samoa development sides. 

Canadian Internationals Brock Webster and Josiah Morra are accomplished sevens players on the world stage, and will add energy and flair to the Free Jacks outside back stocks. 

Collegiate Draftees Kaipono Kayoshi (Saint Mary’s college of California), Matt Carrion (Life University) and development player Emanuel Lai (Santa Clara University) round out the current squad for 2025. They will add to a legacy of talented collegiate players in the Free Jacks which includes Central Washington who returns from loan with Anthem for the 2025 season. 

DEPARTING PLAYERS

The Free Jacks enter the 2025 season with a strong core of returning players, but they also bid farewell to several players pursuing new opportunities. John-Roy Jenkinson and Holden Yungert have decided to hang up their boots, with Yungert retiring as a USA Rugby legend after amassing over 75 MLR caps and playing a pivotal role in the Free Jacks’ back-to-back championship triumphs. The team also parts ways with four players who will don opposition jerseys in 2025: Mitch Wilson (Rugby Carolina), Reece McDonald (Rugby LA), Zach Bastres (Miami Sharks), and Gabe Casey (Utah Warriors). Additionally, Toby Fricker, who joined the Free Jacks late in the 2024 season, returns to the Premiership’s Bristol Bears. Mitch Jacobson and Cam Davidowicz are focusing on family at this time: Jacobson to cherish time with his growing family, and Davidowicz, a beloved New England native, to dedicate himself to his family farm for the time being. The Free Jacks thank all these players for their contributions and wish them the best in their next chapters.

COACHING EXCELLENCE

Returning for the 2025 season is former head coach Ryan Martin. This time around he will be accompanied by Dewald Senekal and Pom Simona as his assistant coaches. This new, balanced coaching staff is rich in rugby experience. 

Ryan Martin’s return to the Free Jacks has been highly anticipated, as he led the team in the 2021 MLR season. He is committed to continuing the great work by predecessor Scott Mathie and building a greater bond between the Free Jacks and the community. 

Dewald Senekal specializes in the arts of forward play and is also recognized as one of the world’s leading lineout and maul experts. Senekal was actually a professional cricketer until he was 23, but at 24, he took up rugby and quickly became successful, playing professionally in both South Africa and France. 

Pom Simona will be returning as assistant coach after joining the Free Jacks coaching staff in 2024. He contributed to the team’s 2024 MLR championship win and strong team chemistry both on and off the field. 

With the returning core players, new players, and experienced coaching staff, the 2025 season is set to be another remarkable one for the Free Jacks. The bond between the community and their team is stronger now more than ever before going into the season, and all key areas on the field have strong and experienced players who truly love the game and are ready to put in the work to make this season the best yet.

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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 second 2025 Squad announcement

The New England Free Jacks are thrilled to announce the arrival of two key signings to bolster the 2025 roster: Jeronimo Gomez Vara, a dynamic back row from Argentina, and Kyle Steeves, a powerful prop hailing from Canada. Both players were signed from the Dallas Jackals and are eager to make their mark in New England.

Jeronimo Gomez Vara

Standing at 6’2” and weighing 232.5 pounds, Jeronimo Gomez Vara is coming off a remarkable 2024 season with the Dallas Jackals, where he was named MLR’s Forward of the Year. The 23 year-old was instrumental in Dallas’ historic playoff run, where he captained the side to not only their first playoff appearance, but a playoff win against the high-flying Houston Sabercats. A dynamic and versatile player, Jeronimo made 128 tackles, won 8 turnovers and beat 53 defenders with ball in hand whilst playing across the second and back row positions during the 2024 season. A proficient aerialist, Gomez Vara was also among the top 4 players for lineout takes, and second for lineout steals.

When asked what excites you about playing for the Free Jacks, he said, “I love the community of rugby that New England has. Also the culture and spirit of the team. I loved to play against Free Jacks these past seasons and can’t wait to join the team.”

Fans can expect to see his competitive drive in full display, whether dominating lineouts or making key turnovers.

Highlight Reel

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NAME:  Jeronimo Gomez Vara

POSITION:  Back Row

HEIGHT:  6’2

WEIGHT:  232 lbs

PREVIOUS TEAM:  Dallas Jacks

HOMETOWN:  Corrientes, Argentina

CAREER TO DATE: 

• Olimpia Lions | SLAR 2021
• Jaguares XV | SLAR 2022
• Dallas Jackals  | MLR 23/24

Tell us about yourself: 

“What’s important to me is to be a good person and pleasant to work with. Away from rugby I like music and when I have the chance I like to go skiing”.

Kyle Steeves

Kyle Steeves, a 6’0″, 263-pound, 24 year-old tighthead prop, brings his own brand of power and precision to the Free Jacks. A former wrestler and Canadian national champion, Steeves has applied his athleticism to rugby and quickly moved through the ranks, earning his first international cap for Canada against Namibia in 2022. Steeves continued to impress during the 2024 MLR season with his ball carrying ability, and high work rate for the Jackals. The tighthead prop appeared in 17 matches and carried the ball 39 times for 215 meters. Now the up-and-coming Canadian is eager to contribute to New England’s pack. 

Hailing from Winnipeg, Steeves shares his excitement about joining the Free Jacks. “I’m excited for the culture of the team, they look like they really have the support of the community behind them and that’s really exciting to see.

profile

NAME:  Kyle Steeves

POSITION: Prop

HEIGHT:  6′

WEIGHT:  263 lbs

PREVIOUS TEAM:  Dallas Jacks

HOMETOWN:  Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada

CAREER TO DATE: 

• Manitoba Wombats 2016
• Pacific Pride 2021-2022 
• Senior Mens Canada | INT 2022 – 2024 
• Dallas Jackals | MLR 2023-2024

Give us a Fun Fact: 

“Before I played Rugby, I was a Canadian National Wrestling Champion”.

As the Free Jacks prepare to defend their back-to-back championship titles, the spirited additions of Gomez Vara and Steeves will further strengthen an already formidable lineup. Both players are ready to hit the ground running, bringing their experience and work ethic to the Free Jacks. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shape our 2025 squad and get ready for another unforgettable season!

more articles | player announcements

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