The former Gilgronis second rower and Heartland championship standout joins the Free Jacks forward pack on a one-year contract
Boston, MA — December 23, 2021 — The Free Jacks are thrilled to announce the signing of Reegan O’Gorman to a one-year contract. The former Gilgroni joins the squad at 6’6, 260lbs, adding plenty of depth and New Zealand Provincial rugby experience to the New England second row.
“I’m stoked to be coming to New England to join a well established team with what looks like an awesome culture and group,” exclaimed O’Gorman. “Can’t wait to add and build on that going forward.”
O’Gorman grew up playing rugby in Vancouver before heading out to Christchurch, New Zealand where he played for Marist Albion Rugby Club. In 2016, O’Gorman was selected to the Canadian National U20s side where he had a standout year, leading to his advancement to the senior Canadian test squad in the 2017 Americas Rugby Championship.
The Vancouver lock earned his first cap as a replacement against Chile, and proceeded to start in the following matches against the US and Uruguay. To this day, O’Gorman holds 7 caps for Canada with the most recent being this year against England during the UK Tour.
O’Gorman’s club performances in New Zealand earned him a selection to the South Canterbury side competing in the 2018 and 2019 Heartland Championships. After a standout year in 2019 ,Reegan was named to the Heartland XV side, a team made up of the top performers over the course of the Heartland campaign. Finishing up his time in New Zealand, O’Gorman was then signed to the Austin Gilgronis in 2021, competing in his first year in the MLR.
“Reegan has had a tough couple of years with injuries which has really stymied his professional rugby career,” commented Free Jacks Assistant Coach, Mike Rogers. “He is in a good space physically now and is super motivated to add to his MLR experience and use that as a springboard to nail down a starting role with the Canada National team.”
“I really enjoy coaching players who have a story and Reegan is certainly a player who has this in spades. He has enjoyed success playing rugby in New Zealand where he was highly rated and has been through a lot of adversity with injury. Now he has perspective and a real drive to succeed with the Free Jacks. We look forward to being a pivotal chapter in Reegan’s rugby story at New England.”
The Free Jacks once again add a seasoned and experienced player to the forward pack with the signing of Reegan O’Gorman. Stay tuned to watch the Canadian-born lock as he enters his second year in the league, this time around on New England soil.
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