The New England Free Jacks are proud to announce the signings of three young ambitious American players to their 2025 roster. 

2024 MLR Collegiate draft picks Kaipono Kayoshi of Saint Mary’s College of California, and Matt Carrion of Life University both impressed during the Free Jacks December camp, earning contracts and bolstering the Free Jacks back row stocks with youthful enthusiasm. 

2022 MLR draft pick and Prop Ivan Pula of Central Washington University returns from Anthem Rugby Carolina where he was on loan for the 2024 MLR season to continue to build on his development in the Free Jacks environment.

Kaipono Kayoshi

Selected in the first round of the 2025 MLR Collegiate Draft, Kaipono Kayoshi is a 6’1″, 225-pound back-row powerhouse from Saint Mary’s College of California. A former USA Rugby Under-23 select and a 2024 Division 1A National Champion, Kaipono is known for his work ethic, tactical awareness, and fearless playing style. As captain of Saint Mary’s in his final collegiate season, he led his team to an undefeated record. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Kaipono’s charisma and leadership promise to energize his teammates and keep spirits high during the grind of the season.

“What excites me about joining the Free Jacks is the culture they’ve built. It’s all about being humble yet confident and making history,” said Kaipono. “I’m ready to push buttons, spark competition, and bring joy to training when things get tough.”

Matt Carrion

Joining Kaipono in fortifying the back row is Matt Carrion, a 6’0″, 223-pound standout from Life University. With a track record of consistent performance, Matt’s four-year starting role at Life University saw him win the American Rugby Premiership and represent USA Rugby at the junior national team level. Hailing from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and holding a degree in Business Administration, Matt brings discipline, competitiveness, and versatility to both offensive and defensive setups. His relentless drive and commitment will elevate the intensity of the Free Jacks’ training sessions.

Ivan Pula

Rounding out the trio is Ivan Pula, a 6’1″, 270-pound tighthead prop from Yelm, Washington. Drafted by the Free Jacks in 2023, the young Prop has spent two years biding his time and learning across different environments. Contracted by the Free Jacks in the 2023 season, Ivan has featured for the Free Jacks’ independents and benefitted from loans to the USA rugby Hawks program in 2023 and Anthem Rugby Carolina in 2024. A former USA Selects representative in the 2021 Americas Pacific Challenge, Ivan has been recognized for his physical potential and humility. Multi-talented, Pula served as captain at Central Washington University while earning his JD in Law. 

A Proven Pathway to Success

The Free Jacks’ commitment to developing players is evident in their track record. Players such as Kyle Ciquera, Cameron Davidowicz, and Ethan Fryer, have transitioned to becoming significant contributors on the MLR stage, all players who have played meaningful roles in MLR Championships. By investing in up-and-coming players and associated pathway systems, the Free Jacks not only enhance their squad but also contribute to the growth of rugby in New England and across the United States.

Looking Ahead

With Kaipono Kayoshi, Matt Carrion, and Ivan Pula joining the ranks for 2025, the Free Jacks’ training environment gains fresh energy and competition. These three players embody the organization’s values of hard work, resilience, and ambition. As they prepare for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to witnessing their development and potential contributions to the team’s continued success.

Stay tuned for updates as these promising players take their next steps in the Free Jacks’ high-performance system!

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