The Independents are the official senior development squads for the New England Free Jacks MLR team as well as the USA Rugby National Teams (Men and Women) as part of the Free Jacks key participation in the USA Rugby National Development Program. 

Both the Men’s and Women’s Independents, as well as the U23s, are selected from the best players in and connected to rugby in New England through performances in the club and collegiate competitions, as well as through skill development and performance testing in the Free Jacks Academy Regional Training Groups. 

The Independents logo is the Free Jacks fist of freedom carrying the Forster Flag. Upon finding a Colonial flag that featured a Union Jack, Revolutionaries would tear the British Jack from the flag and fashion 13 white stripes with the material, six on one side, seven on the other. 13 and 6 are important numbers to the Free Jacks, as there are 13 Academy regions and 6 states of New England. 

The Forster Flag was carried by the Men of Manchester Militia during the battle of Lexington during the American Revolution. It is the only known surviving patriot flag that was made in this way. Literally symbolising Freedom from the Union Jack.

Team Colors: Blue & Red

Jersey: 

*All times ET

Trials are run through the Free Jacks Academy Tracking Days that take place throughout the year in each of the Free Jacks Regional Training Groups. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.