BOSTON – September 29, 2020 – The Free Jacks today announced the signing of Sean Yacoubian through the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The Saint Mary’s College scrum-half joins New England from the Colorado Raptors.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in Boston and being a part of the team,” said Sean. “Seeing all the work the Free Jacks have put in during the off season has been amazing and I can’t wait to get started.”
Growing up in Scotland, Yacoubian played for the Glasgow Hawks and Saint Columbia High School’s 1st XV. He progressed through the Glasgow District age-grade levels and made an appearance for the Glasgow Warriors 7s. After initially being selected to Scotland’s extended Under 20 squad, Yacoubian earned his first junior cap when he came off the bench for the final U20 6 Nations match against Wales at Colwyn Bay in March, 2014.
Yacoubian came to the US in 2017 after transferring from the University of Strathclyde to Saint Mary’s College of California, graduating with a degree in Mathematics in 2019. At Saint Mary’s, Yacoubian played scrum-half for the 1st XV from 2017-2019, helping the Gaels make the USA Rugby D1A quarter finals both seasons. Saint Mary’s honored him as their 2019 MVP and Ironman Award winner.
Notably, Yacoubian is a two time, first team Collegiate All-American and will rekindle with a familiar face in Technical Advisor, James Willocks. Yacoubian represented the All-Americans under Coach Willocks against the Colorado Raptors in 2018 and All-Canadian University XV in 2019, where he helped lead both teams to victory.
“We are excited to welcome one of the best performing collegiate players of recent years,” commented Free Jacks Technical Advisor, James Willocks. “We have been really impressed by his knowledge, vision and skill set, but more so, his work ethic and desire to develop. Welcome to New England, Sean.”
The 5’ 9”, 200 lb scrumhalf is physically bigger than most in his position, giving him an edge around the breakdown and with the ball in hand. Sean brings a work ethic fitting to the Free Jacks way, which supporters will undoubtedly see when he takes the pitch for the Free Jacks in 2021.
Join Sean and the Free Jacks for a virtual Town Hall “News and Brews,” on October 15. Grab a Free Jacks IPA, join the virtual gathering and get to know the newest Free Jacks and the returning players. RSVP using the link here: https://freejacks.com/news-and-brews/.
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