New England Free Jacks Assistant Coach Announces His Departure

Mike Rogers departs after Two Successful Major League Rugby Seasons

Quincy, MA – Mike Rogers, Free Jacks Assistant Coach, stepped into a new role in New Zealand’s National Provincial Competition to coach the Manawatu Turbos in Palmerston North at the culmination of the 2023 MLR season. It is a role that will occupy Rogers year round.

Mike played a key role during two successful years with the Free Jacks. During his first season (2022) the side bowed out in the Eastern Conference Championship after topping the regular season-standings, under strong leadership however, the team was able to go a step further to win the Eastern Championship and MLR title in 2023.

“On behalf of the Free Jacks I would like to thank Mike Rogers for his outstanding efforts over the course of the 2022 and 2023 Major League Rugby seasons. Mike’s 29/6 (83%) win record over the 2022 and 2023 seasons is as significant an on-field accomplishment as the league has seen,” commented Free Jacks General Manager, Tom Kindley.

“The on-field accolades will, however, be usurped by what Mike brought to the club every day off the field. Mike made a massive effort to connect with and care for players and staff, and brought left-field ideas to change the landscape of what a high performance rugby environment looks like, ensuring that it was an enjoyable place to be.

Rogers’ formed a formidable coaching combination with fellow coaches Scott Mathie and Will Webster. As a defense and kicking game specialist, Mike played a key role in an aggressive defense that has become a trademark of the New England Free Jacks.

“Firstly I would like to give thanks and express gratitude to Scott, TK, Mags, Errik and the entire ownership for giving me the opportunity to coach at the Free Jacks,” said Mike. “Having virtually a clean slate and full backing is very unique as a coach and I loved every minute of it!! The player group was phenomenal in terms of their buy in and desire to work hard, care for each other and have fun. Finally to the Free Jacks fans and the people of Quincy, you have made this club special!! I would love to be back at Veterans next year as a fan to support our team. Let’s Ride!”

The Free Jacks are excited to announce Mike’s successor in the near future, and a coaching and management team that features heavy cohesion ready to get back to work in 2024. About New England 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.