Preseason 2025

The New England Free Jacks kick off their 2025 preseason schedule this Friday, February 7th, with a highly anticipated match against the Miami Sharks. The game will take place at St Thomas University in Miami, Florida, marking an important early test for both clubs ahead of the upcoming Major League Rugby (MLR) season.

This matchup carries added intrigue, as the two teams shared dramatic moments during their 2024 campaigns. New England dominated Miami in their first meeting last year with a commanding 25-3 victory at home, showcasing their trademark defensive resilience and offensive execution. However, the Sharks exacted revenge later in the season with a nail-biting 15-13 victory in Miami, scoring the decisive try on the game’s final play.

With memories of those battles still fresh, both squads will look to make a statement in this Eastern Conference preseason fixture. For the Free Jacks, Friday’s match presents an opportunity to fine-tune their game plan, test new combinations, and build momentum into the 2025 campaign. 

Free Jacks General Manager Tom Kindley emphasized the value of the five-day trip down to Florida:

“We’re excited to head down to Fort Lauderdale for the fifth and final week of pre-season. Having applied ourselves really well for 4 weeks in some pretty hardy New England weather, this week offers us a great opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, and strengthen our bond off the field. On the field, we’re eager to put into practice everything we’ve been working on and see the guys compete for a spot in the match day 23 for Round 1.”

Traveling fans can expect to see a mixture of familiar faces such as 2024 MVP Wayne van der Bank, John Poland, Paula Balekana, and Andrew Quattrin, alongside some exciting new additions to the roster. Meanwhile, the Sharks will look to continue their rise in MLR, driven by their passionate home crowd.

The Game will not be broadcast or streamed. However fans will be able to see live updated on the Free Jacks Website from 6:00pm EST. 

Stay tuned for match updates on social media as the Free Jacks begin their journey toward another championship season!

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