QUINCY, Mass. — August 18, 2026 — The New England Free Jacks Academy today announced its new slate of programming for the 2026–27 season, offering rugby development opportunities for players and coaches at every stage of the game. Built on the same philosophy that drives the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby, the Academy’s 2026–27 calendar features two elite performance pathways, seasonal skills and strength & conditioning programs, a virtual coaching education series, and youth outreach throughout the region.

“Our goal with the Academy calendar is to provide the best possible rugby experience for our community and create high-performance outcomes through memorable rugby experiences. We want to complement, not conflict with the great work already being done across our rugby community. By working together and providing clear, purposeful opportunities for players and coaches at different stages of their development, we can continue to strengthen the entire rugby ecosystem across New England.”

— Todd Thornley, General Manager, New England Free Jacks

 Elite Performance Pathways

Free Jacks U18 –  The Academy’s premier boys’ performance pathway has sent more than 100 alumni on to top collegiate rugby programs since launching in 2021, with several earning selection to USA Rugby age-grade national teams. The 2027 season runs late May through early July and includes open tryouts (May 23 and May 30), weekly high-performance training, a two-to-three-game domestic season, and an optional international tour to Ireland in partnership with Cara Group Travel. Athletes will train alongside experienced Academy coaches, with appearances throughout the season from Free Jacks senior coaches and professional players. Registration is $350 and covers all domestic programming, with tour costs collected separately; tryouts, training and home matches will be held at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy.

Free Jacks U23 – New England’s premier U23 development program is designed to complement the collegiate rugby calendar and has produced at least one Major League Rugby draft pick every year since 2021. Led by Head Coach Nate Brakely, a former USA Eagle, the 2027 season runs early May through mid-June, with tryouts on May 2 and a weeklong Ireland tour set for June 7–18. Registration is $150, with tour fees collected separately.

Fall Programs

Fall 7’s Program – A seven-week offering built around six Sunday training sessions (October 18 – November 22) at Legion Field in Weymouth, with the option to compete alongside the Academy at the historic New York 7’s Tournament on Randall’s Island on November 28. Registration is $350 for training only, or $400 including the tournament.

Winter Programs

Winter Development Program – Six weeks of fundamentals-focused training (January 17 – February 21) led by Free Jacks Head Coach Ryan Martin, held at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy and geared toward high school athletes preparing for the MIAA spring season.

Winter Strength & Conditioning Program – A 12-session program (February 10 – March 21) led by Free Jacks Physical Performance Staff, held at Free Jacks Headquarters in Quincy and designed to help high school athletes elevate their physical preparation heading into spring.

Coaching Development and Youth Opportunities

Virtual Coaching Development Series –  Coaches at every level — youth, high school, collegiate and club — can learn directly from the Free Jacks coaching and management staff across five one-hour virtual sessions combining instruction with live Q&A. The series runs five consecutive Wednesday evenings, January 6 – February 3, and closes with a special session led by a special guest. 

U16 Tropical 7’s Experience – Selected U16 athletes will represent the Free Jacks Academy at the Tropical 7’s Tournament in Tampa, Florida, March 25–26, following two preparation training sessions in March.

Free Jacks School Visits – Through the Academy’s “Rugby in a Bag” initiative, the Free Jacks have brought interactive PE class takeovers to more than 150 schools across New England, introducing rugby to students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Schools interested in a visit can contact Jill Isenstadt at jill.isenstadt@freejacks.com.

Community Coach Day –  Spend a day inside the New England Free Jacks preseason environment.

Join Free Jacks General Manager and former professional coach Todd Thornley for an exclusive Community Coach Day, offering coaches the opportunity to experience a full day of professional rugby preparation from the inside.

Observe preseason training sessions, team meetings, planning, and the day-to-day processes that go into preparing a professional rugby team for the season. Gain insight into high-performance coaching, player development, team culture, and the standards required at the professional level.

This is a unique opportunity to learn, observe, ask questions, and experience the Free Jacks environment firsthand alongside Todd and the coaching staff.

About the New England Free Jacks Academy

The New England Free Jacks Academy is the player and coach development arm of the New England Free Jacks, offering pathways for athletes and coaches at every stage of the game — from first-time youth players to elite U23 athletes preparing for professional rugby. Built on the same philosophy that drives the Free Jacks’ Major League Rugby program, the Academy combines elite coaching, meaningful competition and international opportunities to help its community reach its full potential.

Registration is open now for all 2026–27 Academy programs. Full schedules, pricing and registration links for each offering are available at https://freejacks.com/academy-2-0/

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