BOSTON—February 28, 2020— The New England Free Jacks and the U.S. Army today announced a partnership focused on increasing community and youth access to rugby around New England. The collaboration between the New England-based Major League Rugby team and the U.S. Army will help grow the development of rugby around the region and expand the Free Jacks’ community outreach and youth development programs.

“The game of rugby and the U.S. Army share many of the same values,” commented Free Jacks Co-Founder and CEO, Alex Magleby. “Rugby is built on the principles of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect and the U.S. Army recognizes the strength in the foundation of those learnings. We are excited to partner with the U.S. Army who have come onboard to help in our efforts to support rugby, community, and youth development across New England, and have more exciting plans to increase access to the sport of rugby in the near future.”

To date, the Free Jacks community development coaches have worked with over 2,000 youth, high school and club players ranging from first-time rugby players to varsity programs and university teams. With the new partnership with the U.S. Army, the Free Jacks have plans to expand access to these events and host learn-to-play session across the New England region for anyone to learn the game of rugby. If you would like your region to host a community event with the Free Jacks email information@freejacks.com today.

The Free Jacks began their Inaugural Season in Major League Rugby on February 8 in Las Vegas as part of Major League Rugby’s Vegas Weekend. The New England-based rugby team will play its home opener at Union Point Stadium in Weymouth, Mass., on March 14, St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, against the Houston SaberCats.

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About U.S. Army: The U.S. Army offers more than 150 careers and provides opportunities to help individuals reach their career goals with leadership training and hands-on experience.  Learn more at goarmy.com/newengland

About New England Free Jacks:  The New England Free Jacks are greater Boston’s 1st Professional Rugby team representing all the greatness of the six New England states on and off the field. The Free Jacks were named the 9th member of Major League Rugby on September 20th and will compete in the 2020 MLR regular season. For more information please visit www.Free Jacks.com

Major League Rugby:  Major League Rugby (MLR) is a professional rugby league, launched in April 2018. It is an initiative of the American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that American rugby can thrive at the highest levels—as a commercial enterprise; as an influential player on the international scene; and as a participation sport at the youth and senior level. MLR is the pinnacle of American rugby, and provides a rallying point for local communities, a focal point for American rugby fans, and an aspirational destination for young athletes. For more information please visit https://www.majorleague.rugby/