Engelhart joined the Free Jacks in 2019 as a dual player and staff member and has been integral in the launch and development of the Free Jacks
Quincy, MA – September 16, 2022 – Free Jacks confirm the departure of Oliver Engelhart (“Ollie”) who has served the team as Director of Marketing and in various operations roles since 2019. A member of the inaugural Free Jacks Cara Cup squad, Ollie joined the team in a multi-faceted role on and off the field to help grow the Free Jacks organization, expand the company’s global brand, build key revenue systems, and increase access to rugby at all levels. Free Jacks everywhere extend our heartfelt thanks to Ollie who has contributed beyond measure to the organization with an eternal positivity, hunger to get better, and an exuberant optimism that so well represents our rapidly growing community.
Ollie moves on from the Free Jacks to an exciting position with Boston-based New Balance, in a global strategy position supporting Japan and Asia Pacific.
“I have had the best learning opportunities, the most enjoyable challenges, and incredible memories during my time at the Free Jacks,” said Ollie Engelhart. “I have cherished this opportunity to help build the Free Jacks into a globally recognized and loved brand, based on a belief that we can bring people together to have fun. Thank you to every Free Jack who has helped us grow into what we are today, and I hope to see you all next season in Quincy and share a Free Jacks IPA in the stands together as a Season Member.”
“With an innate ability to seemingly find a way to get to yes, Ollie set up many of the systems that have seen the Free Jacks grow into the humble, hungry and energizing organization it is today,” noted Free Jacks co-Founder and CEO, Alex Magleby. “While with the Free Jacks Ollie achieved his first cap in Major League Rugby, built and managed the Free Jacks website and online shop, installed the ticketing and CRM platforms, learned to become a coach and in so doing trained numerous Academy and learn-to-play rugby athletes. He installed carpet, painted walls, moved furniture. Ollie MC’ed many a Free Jacks match in the stadium, and curated and expanded the best-looking merchandise gear in MLR, clearly. All the while he managed digital content creation, sub-brand creation and activation, and designed and controlled a beautiful Free Jacks brand that encouraged a community of enjoyment through awesome festivals, experiences, and so much more.
“We are really excited for him and his next well-deserved adventure. As a company our hope is certainly that our people are with us for the long term. But where that does not happen, it is our hope that while here with us it is the best possible education one can have. And that both the company and the person are better for it.
Ollie was the third employee ever of the Free Jacks, and follows in the footsteps of former Free Jacks Operations Director, Owen Scannell, who moved on to create the PR7s and continues to move the needle forward in the sports and entertainment space.
“We are much better company for his involvement,” Magleby said. “and personally I’m very thankful that I was able to be a part of and witness Ollie’s tremendous growth over the last few years.”
About New England 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.
About Major League Rugby: Major League Rugby is a professional sports league, entering its fifth season and represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018, to 13 teams in 2021, featuring 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on Fox, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, as well as local market platforms. All matches are available on The Rugby Network. MLR prides itself in fostering intense and high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. For more information about MLR, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby
