Free Jacks Community Corner – September 19th 2025
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.
NERFU Men’s Division 3 Match of the Week – Zachary Boswell
“NERFU is extremely excited for this match between the 2024/2025 NERFU D3 finalists! Albany and BIW are powerhouses in NERFU Men’s D3, and this match is definitely worth watching! Best of luck to BIW and Albany. Play hard!
The full schedule across the league can be found here
Words from the Sheds:
Boston Irish Wolfhounds:
“The Wolfhounds D3 are looking forward to the trek out west to Albany this year for a rematch of an epic D3 final. Last year’s matches against Albany were both huge tests and each game was in the balance until the final whistle. This year’s iteration of the Hounds D3 is largely unchanged, with a core of players that remain. But several players have been promoted to our D2 squad. Notably 2nd rower Jack “Moose” Fleming and backrower Teddy Curtis. Additionally, some new personnel have joined the club and are already making a mark like Walker Bartkiewicz and James Cronin. After a comfortable win against Amoskeag the Hounds look to keep the momentum against Albany as the meat of their season begins. Coach Ed Guitton is proud of the work put in by the lads in the preseason and the training sessions, but knows that this will be a huge challenge against an always talented and deep Albany side that’s surely looking to exact some revenge after last year’s NERFU Final” – Adam Zilcoski, Club President
Albany Knickerbocker Rugby Football Club:
“This weekend last year’s top two clubs will battle in what should be an exciting match in NERFU Division 3. I have been asked what this game means to the Knicks and to me but truth be told, my focus is off the field. My thoughts are with our club member Michael Jones, better known as Jonesy
I first started playing with Jonesy in 2007 and three things were apparent. First, he has a personality that is larger than life. Second, he is a club legend on the rugby field know for his never quit attitude and old school toughness. Third, that despite giving me numerous tips after training about playing flyhalf, I knew he never played that position himself. Truth be told, I couldn’t understand most of the tips anyways.
As with any contact sport, injuries are unpredictable and unavoidable. In 2010 while playing with another club against the Boston Irish Wolfhounds, Jonesy suffered a spinal cord injury after a collapsed scrum that left him with life altering injuries. Thankfully, world rugby has altered the laws of the game since 2010 to make these injuries less likely.
In an amazing display of what the lifelong bonds formed playing rugby can accomplish, community and club members came together to create a trust and fundraiser to help and provide care for Jonesy and his family. The Jonesy Open golf fundraiser was founded and has been so successful that Friday 9/19 will be the last Jonesy Open. Friends and Knicks from all over the country will be at the Jonesy Open to create yet another memory with our friend. Those memories will extend to the next day when the Albany Knickerbockers will once again face the Boston Irish Wolfhounds, two clubs at the top of the Division 3 table and two clubs that epitomize NERFU community rugby.
Reflecting back on the original question, what does this match mean to the club and to me? For the club, a win on Saturday would put us in a prime position to qualify for the division 3 final which will be held in November. It will be difficult, as the Hounds always give us a fight. For me, I hope I’m selected to wear the royal blue Knicks shirt one more time. While I can’t measure up to the man Michael Jones is, I hope I can live up to his fighting spirit on the rugby pitch.” – Tom Breslin, President
Unite to Fight Blood Cancer
This month, the Free Jacks are partnering with Blood Cancer United to raise money to benefit patients battling blood cancer. The club that raises the most will receive a bag of Gilbert balls. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Make a Donation: Every dollar counts in the fight.
- Create a Fundraising Page: Team Captains, please be sure to create your team here: Boston | Light The Night | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Click the Register Button! Once you have completed this, please email Abbey Gill (abbey.gill@lls.org) or Matt Kennedy (matt.Kennedy@lls.org) confirming you have signed up for your team and they will link your team to the Free Jacks!
- Share Your Toughest Photos. Share photos/stories on social media, showing your team’s warrior mentality, and call for donations to support those battling leukemia and other blood cancers. Tag us and use the hashtag #UniteToFight to help spread the word.
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.
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