The New England front row continues to bolster with the addition of upcoming Tongan prop

Boston, MA — December 2, 2021 — The New England Free Jacks are excited to announce the signing of versatile prop Tevita Sole to a 3-year contract. At 6’, 265lbs, the 22 year old Tongan front rower will be a dangerous matchup for opposing MLR forwards in 2022 and will provide important versatility being comfortable on either side of the scrum.

“Best feeling ever,” exclaimed Sole when asked about the next chapter in his rugby career. “I’m very happy to be a part of the New England Free Jacks for 2022 and can’t wait to see new faces and meet new people. I can’t wait to get over there and do what we love, and thanks for having me to be a part of the club! Malo ofa lahi atu,” which translates to, ‘thanks and love.’

Hailing from the small island of Tonga, Tevita Sole has grown up with the game in his blood. Having moved to New Zealand in 2018, Sole played for the Bay of Plenty U19 squad where he trained under current Free Jacks Assistant Coach, Mike Rogers. With pre-existing links to the New England staff, Tevita will fit right in with the squad when he touches down in Boston.

Sole was then selected to the Tonga National U20 squad as they looked to compete in the World Rugby U20 trophy in 2019. A year later, Sole joined what was the brand new China Lions team competing in the Global Rapid Rugby competition, where they defeated the Fijian Latui in their very first match before the rest of the season was brought to a halt due to the pandemic.

In 2021, Sole returned to Bay of Plenty, this time competing in the 2021 Chiefs Country Centurion Cup. The squad went on to top Taranaki in a 24 – 10 win, securing the cup as the 2021 champions whilst Sole found himself at home on the other side of the scrum at tighthead prop, proving his versatility. 

“Tevita is a young prop with a huge amount of potential,” commented Free Jacks Assistant Coach, Mike Rogers. “He plays both sides of the scrum, is an excellent scrummager and has a high work-rate. Tevita will really compliment our domestic props well and will bring a lot of energy to our environment. I have a huge amount of respect for Tevita as a player and person and I am sure that he will become a real crowd favorite in Boston.”

At the age of 22, Sole has already gathered plenty of experience playing tough competition all around the Oceania region. The Free Jacks look forward to having the bruising prop step foot on the Veterans Memorial pitch this 2022 season.

About The Free Jacks:  The Free Jacks are an aspiring and innovative live events, media, and consumer products organization. The core brand in the portfolio is The New England Free Jacks, the humble hard-working free-spirited professional rugby team competing in the emergent and exhilarating Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional rugby competition. For more information please visit www.FreeJacks.com