Boston, MA — October 3, 2022 — The Free Jacks are excited to announce the resigning of 2021 draft pick Zach Bastres for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. During his rookie year, the 6’1, 200 lb University of Northern Colorado alum showed incredible speed, poise and finishing ability before injury took him out for the season after just his third MLR appearance. During his debut matches Bastres made an immediate impact, chalking up tries and wowing spectators with his speed on the wing and aerial skills under the high ball.
In 2023, Bastres returns to us healthy and with a fantastic trajectory as he comes off a summer of training with USA 7’s, for whom he competed for the U23 squad at Rugbytown Sevens this past August.
“First identified at a USA Rugby Talent ID camp, the Colorado native impressed with his physical attributes and excellent demeanor, “commented General Manager Tom Kindley. “Fast forward six months to pre-season, and the same characteristics were impressing our coaches to the point where the 3rd round draft pick was selected to make his MLR debut against Austin, scoring the winning try. Zach has the kind of story that if we can reproduce, it will hold American rugby and MLR in great shape.”
“I’m pumped to be heading into 2023,” commented Zach. “I’m super focused on what’s ahead and can’t wait to get back into what I got a taste of before my injury. I feel like my best rugby is ahead of me, and I’m in the perfect place to chase it. Can’t wait to see all the fans at home at Veterans again this season.”
Outside of rugby, Zach is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hiking. During the warmer months, you can spot him throwing out lines for striped bass along the Quincy shorelines.
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About New England Free Jacks: The Free Jacks are an aspiring and innovative live events, media, and consumer products organization. The core brand in the portfolio is The New England Free Jacks, the humble hard-working free-spirited professional rugby team competing in the emergent and exhilarating Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional rugby competition. For more information, please visit www.FreeJacks.com.
About Major League Rugby: Major League Rugby is a professional sports league, entering its fifth season and represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018, to 13 teams in 2021, featuring 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 2, among other national and local market platforms. Select matches are available to stream live in North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available on The Rugby Network for international fans. MLR prides itself in fostering intense and high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. For more information about MLR, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby
