Co-Founder & CEO Alex Magleby Promoted to Executive Chairman, Seasoned Sports-Executive Ian Frenette named Chief Executive Officer

The New England Free Jacks, back-to-back Major League Rugby (MLR) Champions, today announced that Co-Founder and CEO Alex Magleby will be promoted to the role of Executive Chairman, and the organization has appointed Ian Frenette as the new Chief Executive Officer.

In his new role as Executive Chairman, Magleby will focus on strategy, stakeholder collaborations, investor relations, and guiding the executive team while mentoring future leaders of the club. He will also continue to be responsible for steering the on-field (rugby) and off-field (festivals) products, brand, creative direction, and ambition of the Free Jacks.

Ian Frenette brings a wealth of experience to the Free Jacks, with a proven track record in sports management and business operations. His previous roles include co-founding Heritage Sports Ventures (now owned by the Free Jacks), CEO & President of the Boston Cannons, VP Partnerships of the Boston Celtics, and Director of Corporate Partnerships of IMG – Deutsche Bank Championship (PGA Tour). Most recently, Frenette served as SVP Operations at 3Step Sports, the nation’s largest and most connected youth sports club and event organization.

As CEO, Frenette will be responsible for day-to-day business operations, game-day and events, corporate partnerships, P&L management, and academy growth opportunities.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Free Jacks,” said principal owner, Errik Anderson. “As we embark on the next phase of our long-term strategy and build up to the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup here in the United States, it is crucial we continue to rapidly grow as a club and company. Mags [Alex Magleby] has built the Free Jacks into a premier sports-entertainment brand that leads virtually all metrics in Major League Rugby. Adding Ian’s experience and expertise into the day-to-day business operations will help continue to propel our key metrics forward and drive our business operations to new heights, and it gives Mags more time to dedicate to the crucial tasks ahead of working on our key strategies and with our partners—here at home and abroad—in the build up to RWC, and ensuring the continued success of rugby on the field, our fun spirited entertainment off of it, and driving our community-centric mission.”

“I am honored to join the Free Jacks and help build upon the strong foundation,” said Frenette. “I look forward to working with the team to enhance the fan experience, drive revenue growth, and further integrate the Free Jacks into the New England community.”

“It is an honor of a lifetime to be a part of the Free Jacks burgeoning community,” noted Magleby. “I am looking forward to working with Ian and our amazing team and staff at the Free Jacks to continue to build our brand and share the Free Jacks experience with even more fans. Having a seasoned partner in the day-to-day scrum of running this business with me will give me time to focus more on core strategic projects that we need to layer in for the long-term success of the club and company.”

This leadership transformation marks an exciting new chapter for the New England Free Jacks, positioning the team for continued success and growth in Major League Rugby.

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