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 2024 academy program.
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.
2024 Semesters
SEMESTER 1: February 26 – April 28, 2024
SEMESTER 2: April 29 – June 29, 2024
COSTS
– 10 Week Camp Experience – $7,500 (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.
– Scholarships will be considered on a case by case basis
“The program that we offer at the New England Free Jacks is world-class and really unique in World Rugby where young aspiring players have the opportunity of full immersion into a professional rugby program.
Having coached in academies and pathways across the world, the rugby education and life experience on offer to the selected 10 players a year is incredible.”
Will Webster, Free Jacks Assistant Coach
Scott Mathie
Head Coach of the Free Jacks, Scott is the 2022 MLR coach of the year and guided the Free Jacks to their first championship in 2023.
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 South Africa’s premier domestic competition (Currie Cup), as Head Coach Scott led the Griquas to great heights, including upset wins over traditional powerhouses Western Province & the Free State.
Pom Simona
Pom Simona is an Assistant Coach for the Free Jacks, joining for the 2024 MLR season.Â
A defense, and collision work specialist, Pom joins the Free Jacks having recently served as Defense coach for the Melbourne Rebels in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Having spent many years working with the Rebels A and pathway sides, Pom is a strong player mentor and prides himself on making powerful connections with players as people.
Will Webster
Will Webster is an Assistant Coach of the Free Jacks
Going into his second year with the Free Jacks having joined us from coaching the Hong Kong teamat the Rugby World Cup repechage in Dubai. Prior to that, Will coached the Kenyan 7s teamat World Series, Commonwealth Games and World Cup levels. With a background in teaching, Will is charged with coaching the Free Jacks forwards and kicking game.
George Petrakos
George Petrakos is the Head of Physical Performance at the Free Jacks.Â
George has plied his trade at the elite levels, most recently with Wasps in the English Premiership and Italy at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. An expert in load management, and needs individualization, what sets George apart is his humour, energy and ability to keep things exciting for his athletes. George has also worked with Scotland Rugby and Irish Womens field Hockey at the International level and other top profssional rugby sides such as Glasgow Warriors, and Edinburgh.
