As the Free Jacks prepare for the 2026 Major League Rugby season, the club continues to strengthen both its identity and on-field firepower with a blend of returning champions and exciting new arrivals. From long-tenured leaders like Mitch Wilson and Ben Lesage, to rising contributors such as Piers von Dadelszen, to high-impact newcomers including Nate Sylvia, Cyrille Cama, and Ethan McVeigh, New England enters the new campaign with renewed depth, continuity, and competitive edge. Together, these signings reinforce the championship standards that have defined the Free Jacks’ three-peat era—ensuring the club carries serious momentum into another historic season at Fort Quincy.

Mitch Wilson Returns for Sixth Season with the Free Jacks

The New England Free Jacks are pleased to announce the return of 2022 Minuteman Award winner and two-time MLR champion Mitch Wilson for his sixth season in red, white, and blue.

“I’m thrilled to be back in a community that I have built many connections with during my professional career and to play for a club that has high standards both on and off the pitch.”

Wilson’s return reflects the Free Jacks’ focus on maintaining the cultural and competitive edge that has laid the foundation to their championship success.

The 29-year-old has 19 caps for the USA Eagles and played a critical role in the Eagles 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification. His return adds valuable composure and competitiveness to the Free Jacks backline. Having developed strong relationships with Head Coach Ryan Martin during his first tenure in 2021, and former teammate Josh Larsen across former seasons, Wilson’s deep understanding of the Free Jacks program and the New England community will continue to be a driving force within the squad.

Equally effective at fullback and wing, Wilson has appeared in 68 Major League Rugby matches, 57 of them with the Free Jacks between 2020 and 2024 where he scored 17 tries and amassed 104 points.

Ben Lesage Returns for Fourth Season

The New England Free Jacks are proud to announce that star center and 2024 Minuteman award winner, Ben Lesage, returns for the 2026 MLR season. Ben is one of only four players to feature in all three championship matches (starting two). This year, Lesage stoically fought through an ankle injury he picked up in the conference final to play a key role in securing the 2025 MLR championship.

“New England has become a second home for me and I’m thrilled to be back for another year. There will be a big hole left by the departure of so many Canadians, but I hope to represent them well and keep building off the previous successful Free Jacks seasons.”

Lesage has been a pivotal player for the club since his arrival in 2023, not only making his presence known on-the-field, but equally off-of-it. Lesage has played a lead role in amazing player-led charitable and community efforts such as Operation Sock Drop, partnering with Roses Bounty to deliver food for veterans, the Prison Book Program, and coaching mixed abilities rugby (the All Jacks) — this was recognized in 2024 when he was presented the 2024 MLR Marcus Calloway Community Impact Award.

The soon to be 30-year-old Canadian has played 73 games of MLR to date, 43 of those for the Free Jacks. Lesage has represented his country 42 times and continues to prove himself as one of North America’s top rugby players at both club and international levels — having been influential in Rugby Canada’s recent qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Piers von Dadelszen Returns for Third Season

Piers von Dadelszen returns for his 3rd season in New England.

“Re-signing with the Free Jacks means a lot to me. The last two years in Quincy have been incredible — winning back-to-back championships with this group has been special. There’ll be a big hole with some of the Canadian boys moving on, but I’ll do my best to represent them well and carry forward the standards they helped build. Excited for another year with this team and this city behind us.”

25-year-old Piers von Dadelszen has been something of a revelation since his arrival to the Free Jacks ahead of the 2024 Major League Rugby season. The 6’4 energetic English/Canadian has played in 33 matches, starting in 26, and been influential in securing 2024 and 2025 championships.

In 2024, the Oxford University Engineering graduate burst onto the scene, securing a starting spot quickly where he showed his jumping efficiency, work rate and mobility for a big man, playing mainly at blindside flanker.

In 2025, von Dadelszen became a staple of the Free Jacks second row, playing 16 matches. Piers continued to demonstrate his aerial talents with 52 lineout takes and 9 steals over the course of the season. Von Dadelszen played a key role in Rugby Canada qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and is quickly growing into a key player for the Maple Leafs with 12 caps to his name so far.

Free Jacks Secure Veteran USA Eagle, Nate Sylvia

The Free Jacks are thrilled to announce the signing of USA Eagle #556, Nate Sylvia, for the 2026 Major League Rugby campaign. An eight-season MLR veteran with 90 career appearances and four international caps for the United States, Sylvia brings proven durability, leadership, and elite front-row experience to New England.

Standing at 5’11” and 265 lbs, Sylvia’s background in football and wrestling is evident in his collision work and work ethic. He walked onto the football program at California Polytechnic State University before transitioning to rugby with Cal Poly, where he was named a Collegiate All-American. He went on to represent San Francisco Golden Gate at club level before joining the San Diego Legion in 2018, where he has spent his entire professional career to date.

“Joining the Free Jacks is an exciting new chapter for my rugby career. They’ve built a culture that breeds success. I’m ready to put in the work, earn my place, and contribute to what this club is building.”

A 31-year-old San Diego native, Sylvia offers versatility across the front row, with extensive experience at both tighthead and more recently loosehead prop. He has been a key contributor to some dominant San Diego Legion packs and is widely regarded as a consummate team player by his peers.

Promising Hooker Cyrille Cama Joins the Free Jacks

The Free Jacks are pleased to announce the addition of 24-year-old hooker Cyrille Cama (5’11”, 240 lbs), who arrives in the Northeast following an impressive start to his professional rugby career.

“Cyrille is a great man who we believe will blossom within our program,” said General Manager Tom Kindley. “An explosive athlete — our coaches can’t wait to work with Cyrille to help him reach his potential.”

Born in Fiji, Cama moved with his family to Los Angeles in 2013. An age grade USA representative, Cama was selected to the USA U20s in 2020 before joining the LA Giltinis late in 2021, where he featured in 13 matches, primarily in the back row.

In 2023, Cama transitioned to hooker and gained valuable experience with Randwick in Australia’s Shute Shield. He returned stateside in 2024 to join the San Diego Legion, making 16 appearances across the 2024 and 2025 MLR seasons.

His form in 2024 earned him selection to the 31-man Pacific Nations Cup squad. A product of the Rhinos Academy system, Cama will look to build on his momentum in Free Jacks colors and push his way back into contention for USA Eagles selection.

Energetic Eagles Scrumhalf Ethan McVeigh Joins the Free Jacks

The New England Free Jacks are thrilled to welcome Eagle #575, 25-year-old scrumhalf Ethan McVeigh from San Diego, California, for the 2026 season. Standing 5’9” and weighing 192 lbs, McVeigh brings athleticism and plenty of upside as he looks to reach new heights in Free Jacks colors.

“I’m really excited to join such a prestigious organization within MLR,” said McVeigh. “The coaching staff is exceptional, and I look forward to bringing my strengths and positive energy to the club. I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at Fort Quincy and start the quest for the shield!”

McVeigh’s rugby journey began with the OMBAC Wallabies in 2009 and continued at St. Augustine High School, where he earned selection to the USA Under-18s in 2016. He then attended Cardiff Metropolitan University, playing for Cardiff Met RFC and honing his skills abroad, before his eventual Eagles debut in July 2024 against Scotland.

Professionally, McVeigh played the 2021 MLR season with his hometown San Diego Legion, before joining the American Raptors in 2023, returning to MLR to compete with Old Glory DC for the 2024 and 2025 MLR seasons. McVeigh has played 38 games of MLR to date, scoring 4 tries.

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