Quincy, MA — December 1, 2022 — The New England Free Jacks are excited to announce the signing of Canadian Men’s Center Benjamin LeSage.
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, the 27-year-old, 6’0”ft, 216lbs Canadian centre starred three years for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, where he combined varsity rugby with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
LeSage went on to represent the Calgary Canucks Rugby Club and the Praire Wolf Pack, before landing with the MLR’s Toronto Arrows in 2020. He played two seasons for the Arrows and was selected to the All-MLR First XV for the 2021 season as an outside-centre. In 2022 he was traded to the LA Giltinis where he started 11 games and scored 4 tries.
He has represented Canada at age-grade level, and made his senior team debut against Romania in 2016. Since then, he’s gained 25 caps for his country and played at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. He also currently captains the side.
“I’m really looking forward to coming into a successful environment and learning from some top quality coaches and teammates,” commented LeSage. “There’s a ton of depth in the squad, so there should be some healthy competition on a daily basis where we can all make each other better.”
LeSage joins the squad alongside a sizable posse of his fellow Rugby Canada teammates. “Absolutely there should be some existing chemistry to build off,” commented LeSage. “I’ve just spent a good chunk of the fall with a number of them, and MLR seasons are short so the sooner you can mesh as a group and get to playing top rugby the better. I’m equally as excited to get to know my new teammates and think it’ll be a good mix of old versus new!”
Ben brings international experience, defensive prowess to the midfield, relentless work-ethic, leadership and line-breaking ability.
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
