player highlights: 2024 regular season

As the New England Free Jacks prepare for the 2024 Major League Rugby Playoffs, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the standout performances that have defined their season. With several key players on international duty, now is a great time to take stock and evaluate the successes of the regular season. Let’s delve into the achievements of some of the Free Jacks’ most impressive players.

DANYON MORGAN-PUTERANGI

A Rising Star

KEY STATS 2024

• Conversions: Kicked 4 with a 100% success rate.
• Meters Gained: 11th in the league with 815.95 meters.
• Meters Gained per Carry: 11.66 meters per carry.
• Clean Breaks: 2nd in the league with 9.

Danyon Morgan-Puterangi has proven to be a key asset for the Free Jacks with his ability to break through defenses. He has maintained a 100% success rate in conversions, successfully kicking 4 this season. Morgan-Puterangi ranks 11th in the league for both total meters gained (815.95) and meters gained per carry (11.66). His ability to find and exploit gaps in the opposition’s defense is highlighted by his 2nd place ranking for clean breaks, with a total of 9. Back in round 4, we earmarked Danyon as one to watch this season. “From the outset, Morgan-Puterangi showcased remarkable speed and a keen eye for exploiting defensive gaps. In his first three games with the Free Jacks, his presence on the field injected a new dynamic into the team’s play, leaving opponents scrambling to contain his threat.” … read more. Since round 4, Danyon has continued to deliver in various positions throughout the season. Often finding himself in the 11 or 15 jersey, Danyon impressed crowds and coaches alike with his aggressive attacking prowess and his ability to break the line at will. Danyon took the fly-half jersey for the first time against San Diego on May 19th, leading the team to victory on the road.

AWARDS:

• ROUND 9 • MLR First XV: RFC Los Angeles
• ROUND 10 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Chicago Hounds
• ROUND 12 • Quincy College Player of the Match May: San Diego Legion

reece macdonald

Breaking it and making it

KEY STATS 2024

• Tries Scored: 7th Highest Try Scorer.
• Meters Gained: Top 3 in the league with 1052.08 meters.
• Breaking Tackles: 6th, with 28 tackles broken.
• Defenders Beaten: 5th in the league with 54 defenders beaten.
• Clean Breaks: 4th in the league with 6.

Despite limited playtime due to an injury sustained in round 9 against LA, Reece Macdonald has made a significant impact on the field. He ranks as the 7th highest try scorer, an impressive feat considering he is not even in the top 35 for minutes played this season. His ability to gain ground is remarkable, with 1052.08 meters gained, placing him in the top 3 in the league. He has broken through 28 tackles, ranking 6th, and beaten 54 defenders, earning him 5th place in the league during the regular season. Furthermore, Macdonald ranks 4th in the league for clean breaks with 6. Back in round 4, we celebrated Reece Macdonald as the league’s top try scorer and for topping the charts in meters carried … read more. Since then, Reece has still remained at the top of the charts, which just goes to show how impressive his stats are considering he was out of action for more than 6 weeks after sustaining a shoulder injury. As Reece continues to dazzle on the field, fans can’t help but marvel at his ability to consistently deliver standout performances.

AWARDS:

• ROUND 1 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Anthem Rugby Carolina
• ROUND 1 • Alloy Therapeutics Play of the Week: Anthem Rugby Carolina
• ROUND 1 • MLR First XV: Anthem Rugby Carolina
• ROUND 1 • MLR Player of the Week: Anthem Rugby Carolina
• ROUND 3 • MLR First XV: NOLA Gold
• ROUND 7 • MLR First XV: Houston Sabercats
• FJ Award • Alloy Therapeutics Try of the year: RFC Los Angeles

JAYSON POTROZ

The point Scoring Playmaker

KEY STATS 2024

• Points Scored: Third Highest Points Scorer: With 119 points.
• Conversion Kicking: Leading the league in conversions, with 29 successfully made
• Penalty Kicks: Achieved 12 out of 15, boasting an 80% success rate.
• Breaking Tackles: Ranked 5th in the league, breaking through 30 tackles.
• Defenders Beaten: Placed 6th with 47 defenders beaten.
• In-Play Kicks: Ranked 5th with 89 kicks, making only 3 errors.

Jayson Potroz has been a pivotal figure for the Free Jacks this season, recently acquiring captaincy duties to boot. With 119 points, he ranks as the third-highest points scorer in the league, trailing only Jason Robertson of Old Glory and Mack Mason of the Seattle Seawolves. Potroz leads the league in conversions made with 29 successful attempts and a 65% success rate. His accuracy extends to penalty kicks as well, boasting an 80% success rate by converting 12 out of 15 attempts. Overall, his total kicking success stands at 70%. Potroz ranks 5th in the league for in-play kicks with 89, while making only 3 errors. Additionally, he has broken through 30 tackles and beaten 47 defenders, placing him 5th and 6th in the league respectively, stats that speak to his triple threat ability (run, pass kick) and running game. Back in round 4, we said that “Potroz’s journey with the Free Jacks illustrates the essence of a true game-changer and experienced game manager. With each match, he continues to showcase his ability to read the game, exploit opportunities, and deliver under pressure.” and that continues to be true. Since then, Jayson has continued to put points on the board for the Free Jacks with an impressive season of kicking, breaking defensive lines, and expert leadership.

AWARDS:

 

• ROUND 3 • Quincy College Player of the Match: NOLA Gold
• ROUND 4 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Chicago Hounds
• ROUND 6 • MLR First XV: Miami Sharks
• ROUND 9 •  Quincy College Player of the Match: RFC Los Angeles
• ROUND 16 • MLR First XV: Utah Warriors
• ROUND 18 • MLR First XV: Anthem Rugby Carolina
• FJ Award • Forged Irish Stout’s Back of the Year

WAYNE VAN DER BANK

An Attacking Allstar and Defensive Dynamo

KEY STATS 2024

• Tries Scored: 7th Highest Try Scorer: With 7 tries this season.
• Ball Carries: 5th with 111 meters, despite limited playtime.
• Meters Gained: 6th in the league with 942.67 meters.
• Breaking Tackles: Leading the league, breaking through 69 tackles.
• Defenders Beaten: 1st in the league with 92 defenders beaten.
• Clean Breaks: 3rd in the league with 7 clean breaks.
• Tackle Attempts: 155 with a 93% success rate.
• Dominant Tackles: 8, placing him 11th in the league.

Back in round 4, we described Wayne Van der Bank’s contributions as “extending beyond his attacking prowess. His relentless work ethic is exemplified by his top-three position in average tackles made per game, demonstrating his commitment to making an impact on both ends of the field.” Throughout the season, this has continued to be true, Wayne’s performance has continued to improve making him one of the league’s most valuable players.

AWARDS:

• ROUND 2 • MLR First XV: Old Glory D.C.
• ROUND 7 • MLR First XV: Houston Sabercats
• ROUND 7 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Houston Sabercats
• ROUND 8 • MLR First XV: Seattle Seawolves
• ROUND 12 • MLR Player of the Week: San Diego Legion 
• ROUND 12 • MLR First XV: San Diego Legion
• ROUND 13 • MLR First XV: Miami Sharks
• ROUND 14 • MLR First XV: Dallas Jackals
• ROUND 14 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Dallas Jackals 
• ROUND 15 • MLR First XV: Old Glory D.C.
• ROUND 18 • MLR First XV: Anthem Rugby Carolina 
• ROUND 18 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Anthem Rugby Carolina
• FJ Award • Players Player of the Year
• FJ Award • Delta Player of the Year
• Fan Award • 1st Regiment Fan’s Player of The Year

ANDREW QUATTRIN

Physicality and consistency

KEY STATS 2024

• Dominant Tackles: 9, placing him 4th in the league.
• Ball Carries: 85 Ball carries, the most ball carries for any hooker in the league
• Tackles Made: 118 successful tackles made the second highest for any hooker in the league

Andrew Joseph Quattrin has made a notable impact on defense this season. He has recorded 9 dominant tackles, placing him 4th in the league. Quattrin also leads all hookers in ball carries with 85 and ranks second among hookers for successful tackles with 118. His defensive prowess and ability to make significant tackles have been crucial in maintaining the Free Jacks’ defensive solidity, showcasing his role as a key player in the team’s lineup.

AWARDS:

• ROUND 13 • MLR First XV: Miami Sharks
• ROUND 14 • MLR First XV: Dallas Jackals
• ROUND 15 • Quincy College Player of the Match: Old Glory D.C.
• FJ Award • Forged Irish Stout’s Forward of the Year

In summary, the New England Free Jacks have showcased an impressive array of talent and determination throughout the 2024 MLR season. From Jayson Potroz‘s precision kicking and playmaking to Reece Macdonald‘s dynamic try-scoring abilities, the team boasts a wealth of standout performances. Wayne Van Der Bank‘s defensive dynamism and Danyon Morgan-Puterangi’s breakaway skills further highlight the depth of talent within the squad. Andrew Quattrin‘s defensive enforcement rounds out a formidable lineup.

As the Free Jacks reflect on the 2024 regular season, they can draw confidence from their achievements so far. With their eyes set firmly on the prize, the team is poised to return to the field with renewed vigor and determination. Fans can look forward to more thrilling moments and unforgettable performances from this talented group of athletes as they continue their quest for glory in the 2024 MLR playoffs.

The Conference Semifinal kicks off from Veterans Memorial Stadium at 10am on July 20th. Before the Free Jacks match, watch the NERFU Summer Sevens Championships, grab a beer at the Wallop! Beer Fest, listen to Live Music Turn It Up!

Gates open at 10am, kick-off starts at 5 p.m. so get to Fort Quincy early to enjoy the full day of festivities. Buy your tickets here! The match will be broadcast on FS1 and The Rugby Network.

For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news