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 men’s competitions that got underway last weekend. 

Jared Rozowsky – VP of Senior Rugby for NERFU

“We enter Week Two of the NERFU competition this weekend, with more exciting rugby ahead”.

Division 2 Recap

Week One featured two tight games, with Worcester edging out Portland 28–24 and Mystic defeating Newport 31–24. Week Two is set up for more close contests, as Portland travels to Mystic and Charles River takes on Newport—a team they beat by six points last year.

Division 4 Recap

Week One delivered some exciting, high-scoring rugby, with teams averaging 25 points each. In a rare weather event, Massachusetts experienced tornado warnings and severe rain, leading to the Springfield vs. Cape Cod match being paused in the 51st minute.

This year, 10 teams are competing in NERFU Division 4: the eight returning sides from last year, plus new entries from both Worcester and Boston.

Match(es) of the Week Preview

This week features a doubleheader between Worcester and Boston’s Division 2 and Division 4 sides—the only two clubs in the league with teams in both divisions. It’s encouraging to see rugby growing within these clubs and the increasing need for multiple competitive sides. 

At this past year’s AGM, D2 representatives collectively agreed to encourage clubs to support multiple competitive sides, moving away from the traditional B-side model, which has had mixed success. Mystic River and the Boston Irish Wolfhounds already field multiple competitive teams (ARP/D2 and D2/D3, respectively) and have seen sustained success as clubs over the past several years. The NERFU Board hopes these clubs can serve as models for building competitive rugby through growth and player retention.

 

The full schedule across the league can be found here

Words from the Sheds:

Boston Rugby
“Worcester’s leadership has been laying down a blueprint for how to grow a local club with heart, hustle, and hard work. But when the whistle blows, it’s all-out war. Playing Worcester feels like a family reunion—if your family had mullets and tackled you full speed. These matches are grassroots rugby at its best, featuring brutal physicality, real skill, and rowdy fans. Both clubs hit hard, run fast, and leave it all on the pitch. Plus, the post-match iguana fights are always a good time. We can’t wait for Saturday.” – Tim Morin, active player and club president

Worcester Rugby
“This weekend’s doubleheader between us and Boston RFC is both an anticipated rivalry matchup, as well as a celebration of two clubs experiencing pivotal moments in their respective histories.  We’ve squared off with Boston about a dozen times over the past few years, with each matchup starting as a hard-fought battle and ending with long-time friends catching up and enjoying each other’s company.

An exciting wrinkle has been added to our rivalry this fall – with our clubs experiencing healthy growth in membership, we’re both fortunate to have entered teams into the Division 4 competition, giving our clubs a chance to challenge our players in league competition and continue developing regional athletes into top-quality rugby players.

We’re grateful to NERFU for organizing our schedules in a way that allows our full club membership to share a day with Boston RFC, and we can’t wait for Saturday!” -Nick Ducey, active player and club president 

 

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!

• Sep 28th in Seacoast New Hampshire (Community Clinic) – SEE HERE
• October 4th and 5th in Portland ME (Community Celebration Weekend) – SEE HERE
• 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