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. 

It has been fantastic to see some tight matches right across the board in the opening few weeks of NERFU Rugby! A reminder that you can follow along with the schedules and standings via the rugby xplorer website at this link.

 

For this week’s Match of the Week we are previewing an exciting Women’s match-up between North Shore RFC and the newcomers to the league, Saratoga! Here is what both clubs had to say about the upcoming encounter below.

Words from the Sheds:

North Shore RFC: 

What does this game mean to you? To the Club?

When one team grows, we all grow. North Shore is thrilled to welcome Saratoga into our league. We had the chance to face them at the Cabot Cup back in April and it was a blast! Saratoga is a skilled, hardworking group that has already accomplished so much in building their club. As a captain and e-board member, I know how much behind the scenes work goes into running a team, and for a new club it’s tenfold. We’re excited to support their journey, share the pitch with them again, and build on that strong foundation. Plus, we’re grateful they’re making the trip to Salem for this matchup.

What do you expect from this match?

High energy and high impact. This will be a physical, hard-hitting game with plenty of intensity on both sides. We’re ready for the challenge and can’t wait to bring the vibes.

How’s the season going so far?

North Shore has been in a season of growth. We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated group of players and coaches advancing our rugby knowledge to new levels. We’re testing ourselves with new strategies, stepping into new territory, and staying united through it all. Our season opener showed how far we’ve come: just this spring, we lost to Amoskeag 82-5. Last weekend, we went toe to toe and narrowly fell 24-27. That kind of progress speaks volumes. We’re learning, adapting, and getting better every time we step on the field.

• Katherine Gorham, North Shore RFC

 Saratoga Rugby Football Club:

What does this game mean to you? To the Club?

For Saratoga, this game is all about the roots of rugby. The “why” we play good clean rugby. What plants us into the ground and keeps us growing in the sport and community. Lots of us have played for other clubs or never played at all. So a group of strong and independent women coming together to play a sport we have grown to love, is huge. 

This sport has taught myself and so many women the importance of physical strength, but more importantly, mental strength. Many of The Fillies have found new strength in themselves they didn’t know they had. 

This is the second e-board I’ve sat on for a rugby team, my previous one being my college team at SUNY Brockport. There’s so much that goes into getting something this big to get up and running. The fact that we are just a year into developing The Fillies, this is an incredible opportunity to be apart of NERFU. 

What do you expect from this match?

Personally I am excepting a lot of high energy and good competition. The Fillies are using this season to put ourselves on the map in the rugby community and we are excited to see what we can accomplish. Plus we are very grateful for how amazing the opposing NERFU teams have been towards us. 

How’s the season going so far?

This season has been a huge learning curve on and off the pitch. We are fortunate to have so many new women who are interested in the sport so we are developing the next generation of the rugby community. Passing on the love and knowledge for on and off the field has been beyond incredible to be apart of. 

The Fillies season opener didn’t go as planned against Amoskeg losing 7-80 but those seven points were fought hard for. We plan to step onto the field again remembering our roots for some more good clean regardless of the outcome.

• Mackenzie Lawrence, Saratoga Rugby Club

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.

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