Quincy, MA — November 9, 2022 — The New England Free Jacks are excited to announce the signing of promising young back rower Ethan Fryer.

The 6 ‘1” ft, 215 lbs flanker, an Issaquah, WA native started his career playing for the Eastside Lions in Washington State, where his excellent play earned him a call-up to the USA’s u18 High School All-American 7s side.

Fryer, a Canadian eligible through his father, has also represented the Canadian u18’s, with whom he toured in 2019, before landing in the prestigious Canadian rugby academy Pacific Pride, based out of British Columbia.

After a couple of stints abroad at prestigious academies in both Ireland (Naas RFC) and New Zealand (Inside Running), Fryer signed with the Free Jacks for the 22’ season as a development player. Following impressive showings with the Free Jacks Independents against the Arrows and Rugby New York’s academies, Ethan got his call-up to the senior team, making his MLR debut at Toronto on May 19th.

Last summer he also earned a call-up with Canada’s u20’s side, where he played in an invitational tournament against Uruguay, Chile and Zimbabwe. The Free Jacks are expecting a huge leap and big contributions from the 20-year-old in 2023, his first full season with the squad.

Ethan is a fast, dynamic, aggressive and hard-working loose forward whose high-motor makes him dangerous both at breakdowns and as a ball-carrier on the edge.

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