The New England Free Jacks Bring Even More International Experience to the 2025 Roster

The New England Free Jacks have announced a major addition to their 2025 roster, welcoming one of the most experienced players in the club’s history: Connal McInerney. 

McInerney, a capped Wallaby and a standout in Australia’s Super Rugby competition, joins the Free Jacks with a wealth of experience from his career with the Brumbies, where he helped to secure a Super Rugby AU title in 2020 and consistently led his team to multiple playoff berths.

During his seven year career with the Brumbies in Super Rugby, he has been a key figure in the team’s success across more than 50 Super rugby matches. McInerney played a key role in helping the Brumbies reach Super Rugby Pacific semifinals in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as winning the 2020 Super Rugby Australia Championship​. His consistent performances in Super Rugby earned him a coveted spot on the Wallabies roster in 2021, where he made his test debut and scored a memorable try in a 32–23 win over Japan​, before going on to play one more test match with the Wallabies. 

“Connal arrives with a reputation of being a dedicated and industrious team man. He has demonstrated a huge amount of perseverance to earn opportunities throughout his career to date,” shared General Manager Tom Kindley. “Coming from a well-organized Brumbies forward pack, he is well positioned to make a meaningful contribution and integrate seamlessly into the Free Jacks environment.”

McInerney’s signing is a statement of intent by the Free Jacks, as they look to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. His experience at the international level and in Super Rugby will add depth to the Free Jacks’ pack and bolster their set-piece, particularly in the crucial position of hooker. His physicality, leadership, and rugby intelligence will be key assets as the team seeks to continue its upward trajectory.

Reflecting on his move, McInerney shared, “I’ve only heard great things about the current players and coaching staff. I feel as though the team’s recent success has been built on work ethic and getting the details right, which I admire. I have also heard Boston is an amazing part of the world, so I’m really looking forward to the lifestyle.

 

profile

NAME: Connal McInerney

POSITION:  Hooker

HEIGHT:  5’10”

WEIGHT:  234lbs

HOMETOWN:  Canberra, Australia

CAREER TO DATE: 

• Brumbies (Super Rugby): 2018 – 2024
• Aus Wallabies: 2021 – Present

Tell us something about yourself:

“I’m Pretty much a full time dog dad. I spend a lot of time outdoors with her and she cruises on the back of my Ute with me most places I go. Other than that, I spend a lot of my free time with family and friends. We have pizza nights at mine most Fridays. I am a big coffee snob so on weekends my partner and I love to try new cafes (I hear this could be a challenge in Boston). I’m a big tennis and cricket fan- all though I’m not very good!“

What excites you the most about playing professional rugby in New England? 

“I’ve only heard great things about the current players and coaching staff. I feel as though the teams recent success has been built on work ethic and getting the detail right, which I admire. I have also heard Boston is an amazing part of the world so I’m really looking forward to the lifestyle.“

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