Free Jacks International Academy
limited availability for 2025
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 2025 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.
Alex Lott, Academy Athlete
APPLY NOW: Limited Spaces
Capped at 5 players per semester. Apply now to be considered.
2025 Semesters
SEMESTER 1: FEB 16 – APR 20, 2025
SEMESTER 2: APR 21 – JUN 15, 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 New England Free Jacks International Academy offers a truly unparalleled opportunity for aspiring professional rugby players. It’s a gateway to world-class coaching, programming, facilities, and the chance to train alongside top-tier talent from around the globe.
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.”
Pom Simona, Free Jacks Assistant Coach
Ryan Martin
HEAD COACH
Originally from New Zealand, Martin’s coaching career includes successful stints with Otago in New Zealand’s NPC, where he led the team to two Ranfurly Shield victories, Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby and Toyota Verblitz in Japan’s Top League . Martin is renowned for his strategic, multi-dimensional attacking philosophy, which focuses on creating “triple-threat” players.
Dewald Senekal
ASSISTANT COACH
Known for his expertise in set-piece area as well as the breakdown. He transitioned to coaching after a successful playing career, which included stints at the Cheetahs, Lions in South Africa, and various French clubs like Toulon and Bayonne. Since beginning his coaching career, Senekal has worked with several top European teams, including Bayonne, Stade Français, Connacht and Benneton.
Pom Simona
ASSISTANT COACH
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.
Ricci Persico
HEAD OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
An experienced coach with proven ability to get the best out of his athletes, Ricci started his career in New Zealand working as an assistant for the Pulse Energy Highlanders in Super Rugby as well as the Manawatu Turbos in the NPC. Ricci will help instill great training habits that you can take with you throughout your playing career and help you improve your all round game.
