The Free Jacks announce the signings of two familiar faces to Major League Rugby (MLR). Flyhalf, Dan Hollinshead most recently played for RFC Los Angeles (2024), while Stevens last featured in MLR in 2023 for the Chicago Hounds. 

After helping to seal the deal for the Free Jacks this past weekend, outside back Josiah Morra departed on an 8 week loan to Miami Sharks, an initiative designed to further his development through increased playing time. 

Lindsey Stevens (29) hails from Sydney, Australia, qualifying through for Canada and the USA through his parents. A capped Canadian international, Stevens has represented the Maple Leafs 4 times and will bring pre-existing chemistry with his Canadian teammates he will reconnect with at the Free Jacks. Having spent 5 seasons in MLR between 2018 and 2023, Stevens is no stranger to MLR and will strengthen the Free Jacks front row. 

Stevens: “I’m looking forward to playing with some old teammates again. Coming to a strong club like the Free Jacks I’m excited to get into the mix and see how the club has become so successful. “

New Zealand flyhalf Dan Hollinshead (29) will bring plenty of leadership and experience. Like Stevens, Hollinshead will rekindle old friendships, including a strong connection with Free Jacks captain Joe Johnston – the pair play for the same club team, Te Puke Sports in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. 

Hollinshead has played 7 seasons off NPC since 2014 with Bay of Plenty Auckland and Southland, as well as a season of super rugby with the Highlanders in 2019. Over the course of his 11 year career, Hollinshead has also played abroad in France with Agen and Vannes, in Japan with the Coca-Cola Red Sparks, and USA (Major League Rugby) with New York (2021) and LA (2024). 

Hollinshead: “I’m really looking forward to joining a great organization. Meeting new people, making new friends, and working hard to add to the success of the Free Jacks.”

General Manager, Tom Kindley spoke on the signings: “We have been pleased with how as a group we have adapted to the challenge during the front end of the season, leaning on our entire squad across the 6 games. As a result of the challenge, we have laid a strong platform to excel from and we are a super connected group off the field. 

We are really looking forward to having Dan and Lindsey in our mix, they are both hugely experienced and will strengthen our group at a pivotal time in the season.”

Former Canadian Sevens flyer, Josiah Morra departs on loan for a period of 8 weeks to the Miami Sharks, a continuation of a trend that has seen Free Jacks players loaned for short stints to further their development. The Free Jacks outside back is expected to return ahead of Round 16 of the regular season. 

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