The New England Free Jacks are thrilled to announce the signing of two dynamic New Zealand based playmakers: Faletoi Peni and Simon-Peter Toleafoa. Both athletes have enjoyed breakout NPC campaigns and bring a lot of cohesion having played together with the championship winning Manukau Rovers. Both players have represented Samoa Under 20’s further strengthening the Free Jacks’ 2025 roster.

Faletoi Peni: A Proven Champion

Faletoi Peni arrives in New England with an extraordinary resume that underscores his winning mentality and skillset. Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 235 lbs, Peni has established himself as an emerging talent at flyhalf and inside center. Hailing from Māngere, Auckland, New Zealand, his journey to professional rugby has been an inspiring one from the grassroots level.

Peni has a knack of turning everything he touches into gold. The South Auckland product has been named Auckland Club Rugby Player of the Year twice, a nod to his sustained excellence in one of the best club competitions in the world. His standout 2024 season with Southland in New Zealand’s NPC earned him the title of Rookie of the Year, solidifying his reputation as a game-changer at the professional level. Peni has represented his heritage internationally, playing for Junior Manu Samoa U20s

Known for his exceptional playmaking ability, and composure under pressure, Peni brings a unique style to the Free Jacks. Reflecting on his move, he said:

“The Free Jacks have won the competition two years in a row, and I’m here to add value to the team to make it three consecutive championships. I’m excited to learn, grow, and connect with the coaches and teammates in this new environment.”

Off the field, Peni is a devoted family man who treasures spending time with his three-year-old son. His determination, resilience, and deep connection to family fuel his passion for rugby and his drive to succeed.

profile

NAME: Faalae Faletoi Peni

POSITION:  Flyhalf

HEIGHT:  5’8″

WEIGHT:  235lbs

HOMETOWN:  Māngere Auckland, NZ

CAREER TO DATE: 

• Papakura premier. 2018-2019 

• Karaka premier (won them their 1st championship) 2020-2021

• Manukau Rovers premier (back to back championships) 2022-2023

• Ponsonby premier (won championship) 2024

• Counties u19s. 2019

• Auckland (bs, NPC wider squad) 2022-2023 

• Southland NPC. 2024

Tell us something about yourself:

My family is very important to me, I’m a very family orientated guy, come from a big island family. Have a 3yr old boy which is most important to me and who I spend most of my time away with

What excites you the most about playing professional rugby in New England? 

Free Jacks have won the competition 2years in a row and I’m only here to add more value to the team and hopefully make it 3 consecutive years. Also love being in new environment learning of others and getting to know new people (coaches,team mates)

Simon-Peter Toleafoa: A Rising Star with International Pedigree

Joining Peni is Simon-Peter Toleafoa, another talented addition to the Free Jacks’ squad. A versatile player capable of playing fullback, wing and flyhalf, Toleafoa stands at 6’0″ and weighs 199 lbs. Toleafoa and Peni are neighbors in Māngere, Auckland where they played together for the championship winning Manukau Rovers, cohesion that will be important for the Free Jacks 2025 campaign.

Toleafoa enjoyed a breakout 2024 season with Counties Manukau Steelers in New Zealand’s NPC where he proved to be one of the best attacking players in the competition, making the top 5% of all players for ball carries, defenders beaten, linebreaks, stats indicative of his attacking prowess. His 2024 season with Counties Manukau demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, showcasing his running game and safety managing the backfield. Like Peni, Toleafoa has also represented Manu-Samoa U20’s at the international level.

For Toleafoa, rugby is deeply personal. “God and family come first,” he shared, emphasizing the values that guide him both on and off the field. When not on the pitch, he enjoys spending quality time with loved ones and unwinding with a round of golf.

Half Tongan and half Samoan, Toleafoa brings cultural pride and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His ability to adapt and lead under pressure makes him an invaluable asset for the Free Jacks’ continued dominance in Major League Rugby.

profile

NAME: Simon-Peter Toleafoa

POSITION:  Flyhalf / Center

HEIGHT:  6’0″

WEIGHT:  199lbs

HOMETOWN:  Mangere, Samoa

CAREER TO DATE: 

• Counties Manukau Steelers 2024

• Auckland Marist 2017-2018

• Ardmore Marist 2019-2021

• Manukau Rovers 2022-2023

• Patumahoe 2024

   

Tell us something about yourself:

God first above anything, my family, partner and my close mates. Away from rugby I love to play golf (not the best at times) and enjoy spending time with love ones.

Give us a Fun Fact: 

Im half Tongan and half Samoan

A Bright Future for the Free Jacks

The addition of Peni and Toleafoa signals the Free Jacks’ intent to remain at the pinnacle of Major League Rugby. Both players embody the team’s core values of resilience, excellence, and community. Fans can look forward to watching these two stars light up the pitch and contribute to New England’s rugby legacy.

Stay tuned for exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on how Faletoi and Peni are making their mark in New England. Together, let’s welcome them to the Free Jacks family and celebrate the next exciting chapter in our journey!

more articles | player announcements

Stay up to date with our latest signings and all Free Jacks news by subscribing to our new and improved weekly news letter!

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news