Back in Action: Free Jacks Welcome Back More of the ‘24 Championship Roster for the 2025 Season!

by | Oct 29, 2024 | 2025 Roster, Blog, Featured News, News, Player Announcements

Back in Action: Free Jacks Welcome Back More of the ‘24 Championship Roster for the 2025 Season!

The New England Free Jacks continue to bring back the best with the latest 2025 Squad announcement. 

The New England Free Jacks are thrilled to announce the return of four exceptional players ahead of the 2025 Major League Rugby (MLR) season: Wayne van der Bank, Jackson Thiebes, Oscar Lennon, and Kaleb Geiger.

Image Featuring: Kaleb Giger breaking tackels against Seattle Seawolves. 

Kaleb Geiger – The Eagles’ Powerhouse Prop

Kaleb Geiger, a standout prop and U.S. Eagles international, returns for another season with the Free Jacks after a successful 2024 season where he quickly became a fan favorite. The Colorado native was originally drafted from Rugby New York in the MLR dispersal draft. Since arriving in New England, Geiger has proved an uncompromising addition to the hard-nosed Free Jacks forward pack. 

Ranking third in the league for successful tackles made per 80 minutes (17.7), and averaging a busy 10.8 carries per game, Geiger is an incredibly mobile and hard-hitting front row forward.

In addition to his dynamic presence on the field, Geiger’s dedication to growth has made him a vital part of the Free Jacks. His journey from Rugbytown Crossover Academy to the Free Jacks; and ultimately to the Eagles, has been impressive. Fans can expect to watch Kaleb continue to dominate and develop at a rapid rate as he returns to Quincy for 2025.

Image Featuring: Jackson Thiebes

Jackson Thiebes – The Workhorse Returns

Montana native and original Free Jack lock Jackson Thiebes is back for the 2025 season. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 255 pounds, Thiebes adds aerial ability and work rate to the Free Jacks forward pack.

Thiebes was a formidable force during his initial stint with the team during the 2020 and 2021 MLR seasons, named as the Free Jacks’ Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2021 under returning Head Coach, Ryan Martin. After two seasons away from the sport, Jackson returned for the 2024 Championship season where he played an important role making 8 appearances in his return to professional rugby. Jackson’s return for the 2025 MLR season signifies not only strength in the second row but a deeper connection to the team’s roots and mission as the veteran looks to make a big impact.

Image Featuring: Oscar Lennon against NOLA away

Oscar Lennon – Rising Star at Scrumhalf

Welsh-born Oscar Lennon, who recently joined the Free Jacks from the Premiership’s Bristol Bears, is back for another season with New England. Known for his sharp decision-making and lightning-fast playmaking skills, Lennon is poised to drive the attack from the scrum half position in 2025. His experiences training with rugby greats like Semi Radradra and Charles Piutau have elevated his game, and he’s shown he’s more than capable of competing at the highest level.

In his debut season with the Free Jacks, Lennon played a huge role across only 5 games, arriving later in the season as an injury replacement for John Poland. Lennon started in both the Eastern Conference and MLR Championship matches, demonstrating a varied skill-set and mature kicking game. Qualified to represent the United States through his American father, Lennon is ready to keep pushing the Free Jacks toward MLR excellence, and is certainly one to keep an eye on this season.

Image Featuring: Wayne van der Bank against Houston SaberCats away

Wayne Van der Bank – MLR Player of the Year

Wayne van der Bank’s return to the Free Jacks is highly anticipated following a stellar 2024 season, where he earned the prestigious title of MLR Player of the Year. Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Van der Bank first made his mark in New England in 2022 and has since become an irreplaceable part of the team. 

His 2024 stats say it all: 10 tries, 187 tackles, and 1,353 meters gained. Van der Bank proved impossible to pull down, leading the league for defenders beaten (126) during the 2024 MLR season and led the team to a second consecutive MLR championship. 

Van der Bank’s connection with teammates like Jayson Potroz and Le Roux Malan elevated the Free Jacks offense to new heights in 2024, and made him one of the most exciting players to watch. His countless awards, including the Players’ Player of the Year and 1st Regiment Fan’s Player of the Year, reflect his excellence on the field and invaluable presence off the field.

Looking Ahead

With van der Bank, Thiebes, Lennon, and Geiger back in the fold, the Free Jacks are set to make another powerful run for the MLR Shield. Their combination of leadership, skill, and commitment to both the team and the New England community is a driving force that sets our team apart. As we head into the new season, we look forward to seeing these four make their mark once again, carrying the Free Jacks forward with grit and determination.

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Written By:

Oliver Gilpin

Director of Brand and Creative @ New England Free Jacks

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