In partnership with NERFU

Welcome to the Free Jacks Community Corner, where we celebrate the people, clubs, and stories that make New England rugby so special. In partnership with NERFU, we’re bringing you highlights from across the region and showcasing the passion that drives our rugby community forward. This week we are highlighting the amazing women’s competitions that kick-off this weekend

We see a relatively slow weekend of Rugby in the adult competition with many teams on a BYE week in honor of Indigenous People’s day (Mon Oct. 13th)

 

This weekend, the Men’s Division 2 competition has two games that are shaping up to be thrillers. Worcester (3-1) travels to Malden to take on undefeated Mystic River (4-0), while the Boston Irish Wolfhounds D2 (3-1) go to Union Point to challenge Boston Rugby Club (3-1). These two matches will determine who sits at the top of the table going into the final week of the regular season. Charles River (1-4) will take on Portland (1-3), and Newport (0-5) has a bye. Unlike in previous years, all seven teams will make the playoffs. The quarterfinals weekend, on October 25th, will feature 2vs7, 3vs6, and 2vs5, while the 1st ranked team gets a bye. 

 

Men’s Division 3 has a division wide bye. 

 

Men’s Division 4 has only two games this weekend: Monadnock Valley Mountain Wolves (1-3) vs Mad River (3-1-0) and Boston (2-2) vs New London County (4-0).  

 

Burlington (0-3) hosting Hartford (1-1) is the only league match for Women’s + Division 2 this weekend, though Providence (4-0) is hosting a round robin with Boston and Springfield Rugby Clubs. 

 

After coming off a narrow 3-point win last weekend, Amoskeag travels to Upper Valley Valkyries,  and Saratoga goes to Seacoast for a pair of Women’s + Division 3 match-ups..  

 

Local College Highlights

There are multiple teams in New England featured in the NCR top 10 rankings:

Men

• Brown (#2) and Dartmouth (#6) in Division 1
• UVM ranked #4 in Division 2
• Nichols College ranked #5 in Division 3

Women

• Northeastern ranked #6 in D1-AA
• Fairfield (#4) and UNH (#10) in Division 2
• Endicott (#1), Yale (#2), Colby (#8), and Smith (#10) in Division 3

 

Reference: https://www.ncr.rugby/coaches-poll-25-26

 

In NCAA, Harvard Women and Dartmouth Women are currently ranked #1 and #3 respectively. 

 

Reference: https://nira.rugby/standings/

 

Off the field

 

North Shore is turning their “BYE” week into a “WHY” week: 

 

“We’re finding new ways to make an impact beyond the scoreboard and showing what being part of a team really means.” 

 

🏉Adaptive Rugby Session with @northeastarc 

Sunday, October 12th 

10:15am – 12pm

Bishop Fenwick High School

 

🩸Blood Cancer “Light the Night” Fundraising Campaign

From now through October 16th, join our efforts with @nefreejacks and @northshorerugby to raise money for blood cancer awareness. You can donate to our fundraising page here: https://pages.lls.org/ltn/ma/BostonL25/northshorewomensrugby

 

Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPeShD5DqIZ/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

 

Is your team doing anything cool off the field? Let us know so we can feature in a future Community Corner post!

 

Email: seniorclub@nerfu.rugby

 

Free Jacks on Tour

Catch the players, staff and the MLR Championship Shields at our upcoming Community Events where we will be engaging with local rugby clubs and delivering clinics for all ages!

• October 17 – 19th in Burlington VT (Community Celebration Weekend) – SEE HERE 

 

Thank you for being part of the Free Jacks family and supporting rugby across New England. Together with NERFU, we look forward to celebrating more stories from our incredible community each week.

Join the Free Jacks family and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of rugby. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, there’s a place for you in our vibrant community. Discover exclusive behind-the-scenes content, player interviews, and insights that bring you closer to the action. Don’t miss out on the excitement of match days, where every cheer and chant fuels our team’s spirit. Engage with fellow supporters through our fan chapters and ambassador programs, and be part of something bigger. Together, we celebrate the passion of rugby and the camaraderie it fosters. Get ready to experience unforgettable moments with the Free Jacks!

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