Free Jacks International Academy
Join the Free Jacks Major League Rugby team in Boston, USA, and fully immerse yourself in the full-time professional rugby environment! Capped at 5 players per semester, apply now to be considered for the 2023 academy program.
HALF PRICED SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
The Free Jacks are now offering half priced scholarships to the 2nd Semester International Academy based off need and merit. All applicants will be considered for the scholarship.
Open to Athletes aged 17+
This camp is designed specifically for players who want to accelerate their rugby development by being fully immersed in a full-time professional rugby environment at the New England Free Jacks, in Boston, USA, competing in Major League Rugby.
Immersed in the Free Jacks team culture, training, programing, strength and conditioning and related rugby development, you will join the professional outfit to be the best player you can be.
Full Immersion
Become part of a full-time professional rugby environment. This is an all access opportunity. You will be fully integrated in all team activity, training, housing, strength & conditioning, team bonding and more.
Game Experience
International Academy players will have the opportunity to play for the New England Independents, Free Jacks A-Team, as well as, season permitting, with local club programs in the USA Rugby spring competition.
Skill Development
In addition to the team training sessions you will have additional skills coaching from The Free Jacks coaching staff, developing the skills to perform at the professional level.
Strength & Conditioning
All players will receive comprehensive strength and conditioning testing and programming within the Free Jacks high performance training environment and training center.
Leadership & Game Preparation
All International Academy players will prepare as the opposition each week by learning the opposition lineouts, attacking shape, defensive system and lineout attack maps. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership and take responsibility for preparing the starting 23 to play against the opposing team.
Live the Dream!
Live the life of a full-time professional rugby player in
Boston USA and experience the United States with the Free Jacks!
“
My time with the free jacks Has been a liberating experience.
It has allowed me to experience global cultures in a city that goes mad for its sport. The exposure to first class coaching and management has reignited my love for the sport and my dedication to achieving my goals. The on and off field experiences will stay with me forever.’
Hugo Flynn, 2022 Academy Athlete
APPLY NOW: Limited Spaces
Capped at 5 players per semester. Apply now to be considered.
2023 Semesters
SEMESTER 2: 17 April – 25 June 2023
COSTS
– 10 Week Camp Experience – $10,000 (USD)
– Includes: Training apparel, accommodation, injury assessment and treatment, lunch provided on training days, all training sessions, team activity, transport to and from sessions etc.
– Exclusions: Medical insurance, flights, additional meals and entertainment.
HALF PRICED SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
The Free Jacks are now offering half priced scholarships to the 2nd Semester International Academy based off need and merit. All applicants will be considered for the scholarship.
”
The programme that we offer at The New England Free Jacks is world-class, full inclusion and really unique in world rugby.
I have extensive experience running my own International Rugby Academy, Inside Running Academy based in New Zealand. The program that we offer at The New England Free Jacks is world-class, full inclusion and really unique in world rugby. This is really the opportunity of a lifetime for the selected 10 players per year.”
Mike Rogers, Free Jacks Assistant Coach
Scott Mathie
Head Coach of the Free Jacks.
Mathie is a former scrumhalf and highly rated attack and skills specialist. Mathie enjoyed a career as a professional player including 4 seasons in England before retiring in 2013. In his first Currie Cup as Head Coach he led Griquas to a 3rd place finish, which included upset wins over traditional powerhouses Western Province & the Free State.
Mike Rogers
Assistant Coach of the Free Jacks.
Mike Rogers comes to New England via New Zealand where he was forwards coach for the Bay of Plenty Steamers before becoming an assistant for the Chiefs Women’s side. Mike led the Free Jacks forwards and defense showcasing dominant displays and development across his first season in MLR.Â