Determined Ohio State University Tighthead Prop to Join Free Jack ranks

BOSTON – October 1, 2020 – The Free Jacks are proud to announce the signing of 2nd round Draft pick from the inaugural 2020 Major League Rugby collegiate draft, Spencer Krueger. Krueger was selected as the 18th overall pick of the draft.

“I am honored and excited to have been part of the first MLR collegiate draft and to have been selected by the Free Jacks organization,” said Krueger. “I cannot wait to get to work and contribute to the team wherever I can.”

Krueger has been a standout in collegiate rugby for Ohio State University where he captained the men’s rugby program for the 2019-2020 season. In 2018 Spencer was recognized as a Collegiate All-American, and in 2017 and 2018 received distinctions as a US Collegiate tighthead prop.

In addition to collegiate rugby, Krueger has further developed his game by competing with the Chicago Lions men’s team, the Christchurch, New Zealand, based Marist Albion Rugby Football Club, and the Crusaders International Academy. Spencer played an integral role for Marist Albion in the premier flight of club rugby in Christchurch whilst partaking in the Crusaders International academy.

Krueger will enjoy more high-level experience when he joins the Ohio Aviators at the World Tens Series starting October 24th in Bermuda. There will be familiar faces across the Aviators with Ohio State University Head Coach, Tom Rooney, Directing the Program, Free Jack and Chicago Lions Coach Zack Stryffeler managing the side, and a raft of Major League Rugby players scattered throughout.

“We were impressed by the impression Spencer made during his time with Marist Albion RFC and the Crusaders IHPU program, no mean feat,” commented Tom Kindley, Free Jacks Performance Manager. “Spencer has the tools to succeed at the next level, a sound scrummaging front row forward and gets around the field well. More importantly, we see Spencer as a guy that will quickly become a fine Free Jack in his character and willingness to learn. All matters combined, we are eager to see his development as an emerging domestic front rower in our environment next season.”

Originally from Arlington Heights, Illinois, Spencer was a multisport athlete having played Football and competed in shot put and discus in track and field, while pursuing rugby with the Arlington Stallions RFC. In 2015 Spencer received the Burlsworth character award in recognition of outstanding character and sportsmanship nationwide.

We are excited to welcome Spencer to New England where he will develop as a leader of the game on and off the field.

Join Spencer 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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About The Free Jacks:  The Free Jacks are an aspiring and innovative live events, media, and consumer products organization. The core brand in the portfolio is The New England Free Jacks–the humble hard-working free-spirited professional rugby team competing in the emergent and exhilarating Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional rugby competition. For more information please visit www.FreeJacks.com