The New England Free Jacks Announce the Return of Five Key Players for 2025.

by | Oct 16, 2024 | 2025 Roster, Blog, Featured News, News, Player Announcements

The New England Free Jacks Announce the Return of Five Key Players for 2025.

The New England Free Jacks kick off their 2025 Squad announcements with 5 experienced players, who were pivotal in the team’s Back-to-Back Championships in 2023 and 2024.

The Free Jacks are thrilled to announce the return of five pivotal players for the 2025 season. John Poland, Jayson Potroz, Kyle Ciquera, Josh Larsen, and Andrew Quattrin have all committed to another exciting year, bringing their leadership, experience, and deep connections to the team and community.

The first announcement on the playing group for 2025 signals that the Free Jacks are set to continue where they left off last year, working hard to foster a strong off-field environment and on-field product, led by a strong core of returning players.

“It is only right to begin our squad announcements for 2025 with some of our returning players who have played pivotal roles during the success of the club to date both on and off the field,” said Head Coach Ryan Martin.

 

“Looking at our 2025 squad makeup, I’m really happy to have such a high level of retention and strong group of returning players who know the league and club well. These players will provide continuity and help to shape our journey ahead using their experience and knowledge of our club’s values to do so.”

  
At the same time, I am really excited to layer some new talent into the team. In the next few weeks we will be announcing some of the biggest profiles in the club’s history who will help us in our continued evolution.”

     
– Head Coach Ryan Martin

Image Featuring: Josh Larsen

Josh Larsen: Club Captain 

As club captain, Josh Larsen has been the backbone of the Free Jacks’ forward pack since 2020. The Canadian lock’s leadership and work ethic have driven the team to new heights over the past few seasons. Larsen’s physicality around the field, and strength in the set-piece have made him a cornerstone of New England’s success. Returning for the 2025 season, Larsen’s ability to lead by example and foster a team-first environment will once again be at the forefront as the Free Jacks look to build on their championship-winning campaign. Fans can expect to see Josh’s presence throughout the season integrating new players into the Free Jacks way.

“I’m really excited to get stuck into what will be my 6th season with the club. The growth and success of the club has been focused on our values of humility, hardwork, hunger and fun. As the new season approaches we’re looking forward to building on this both on and off the field in the community. With plenty of key familiar faces in the 2025 group, we are well positioned to hit the ground running.”

Image Featuring: John Poland

John Poland: The Return of JP

John Poland (JP) has been a linchpin in the Free Jacks’ backline since joining the team in 2020. Known for his polished technical skills, and tactical kicking, the Irish scrum-half has been a constant threat to opposing teams. With more than 50 appearances for New England, Poland is one of the team’s most experienced players and is a familiar sight in the Free Jacks #9 jersey. A leader within the group off-field room and fan favorite, JP will once again be essential as the Free Jacks aim for another successful campaign. Early in the 2024 season Poland suffered a season ending injury, and now he is ready to get back out on the field in front of the fans at Fort Quincy in 2025. 

Image Featuring: Jayson Potroz

Jayson Potroz: The MVP and On-Field General

Returning after two stellar seasons, Jayson Potroz has been an invaluable asset to the Free Jacks. Leading the team to the 2023 and 2024 MLR Championship, Potroz was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2023 and topped the scoring charts in back-to-back seasons. His ability to marshal the attack from fly-half, combined with his ability to take on and break the line, makes him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league. Potroz brings more than just skill; he is an experienced leader, constantly elevating the performance of those around him. As the 2025 season approaches, Potroz is set to be a key figure yet again in his third campaign with the Free Jacks’.

“I am really looking forward to getting back to Boston for my third season and getting connected with the 2025 squad. As always, we will be working hard to create special moments together for the FJ organization and our awesome supporters who turn up and set the energy week in week out.” 
– Jayson Potroz

Image Featuring: Kyle Ciquera (Center)

Kyle Ciquera: The Local Fan Favorite

Kyle Ciquera returns to the Free Jacks for his 7th season including the 2019 Cara Cup. Known for his New England-esque playing style, Ciquera has become known as one of MLR’s best scrummaging Looseheads. His passion for the game and his deep connection to the New England community have solidified his role as one of the team’s most popular players. Beyond his on-field exploits, Ciquera has become a symbol of grit and determination, traits that will once again be crucial as he takes to the field in 2025 once he returns from injury. In 2024 Kyle chopped his famous hair for charity, which will have fans wondering if he will bring the mullet back with him in 2025. 

Image Featuring: Andrew Quattrin

Andrew Quattrin: Fierce on Field and Community Champion

Andrew Quattrin returns as a key figure both on and off the field for the Free Jacks in 2025. One of North America’s premier Hookers, Quattrin showed his quality during the 2024 MLR season, scoring 8 tries, and ranking among the top carriers and dominant tacklers in the league. His presence in the front row was vital to the team, setting the standard as the hardest working pack in the competition. Off the field, Quattrin has made a colossal effort, ranging from the Free Jacks’ sock drop to his Mullet Cut for Marisa’s Mission. The 2022 S. Marcus Calloway  Community Impact Award recipient’s commitment to community and effort based excellence perfectly embodies what it means to be a Free Jack.

2025 Free Jacks

The announcement of these experienced players signal that the Free Jacks are set to continue their culture of winning, laying a foundation of experienced talent.

As any sports fan knows, it takes something more than replicating the past to take a team to unchartered territory.

The Free Jacks will have a bigger target on their back than ever and will need to do something special to take the club to the next level. From the outset, It seems like new Head Coach Ryan Martin has the answers and has wasted no time in making a splash with the 2025 squad. 

Martin is set to blend Legacy Free Jacks players with much anticipated big name signings in the next few weeks. And as fans wait for names old and new to be announced, they can be sure that the return of these five experienced players signals another exciting season for the New England Free Jacks

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Written By:

Oliver Gilpin

Director of Brand and Creative @ New England Free Jacks

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