Match Preview: New England Free Jacks vs. Chicago Hounds

June 21, 2025

Date: Sat June 21st
Time: Kickoff 1pm, Gates open 10am
Location: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Quincy MA
Broadcast: NBC Sports Boston | ESPN2 | ESPN+

As the 2025 regular season comes to a close, the New England Free Jacks are ready to make their last stand at Veterans Memorial Stadium in front of their passionate home crowd. This Saturday’s clash with the Chicago Hounds marks an exciting rematch of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals and is set to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s top teams.

With the stakes high and a trip to the Championship Final looming, the Free Jacks are determined to close out their home campaign with a performance that matches the intensity and excitement of the season so far.

Coaches’ Comments:

The team has had a week of solid preparation and is primed for what promises to be a physical and fast-paced match against a formidable Chicago squad.

“We’re expecting hot conditions, and that’s something we thrive in,” said Head Coach Ryan Martin. “Our forward pack is lean and mean, and our backs are fit and fast, so these conditions suit us perfectly. We’re looking forward to putting on a celebration performance of our season and finishing strong at home.”

The Free Jacks have been on a roll lately, with a focus on fine-tuning their game, and Coach Martin believes the energy from the home crowd will play a huge role in the outcome.

Andrew Quattrin: Player Perspective

For Andrew Quattrin, the Free Jacks’ influential hooker, hosting a playoff-caliber match in front of New England’s fans is incredibly special.

Reflecting on the Free Jacks’ recent win over Miami, Quattrin acknowledged the tough start but was proud of the team’s ability to weather the storm and take control:
“Miami gave us a good fight early on, and their back row made it difficult for us at times. But we stuck to our game plan and consistency in defense gave us the upper hand. It was key for us to stay tight, especially around the breakdown.”

Quattrin is also excited for the upcoming challenge against Chicago and emphasized the importance of the home crowd in making this match extra meaningful.

“Hosting is huge. Our fans give us so much energy, and the vibe in the stadium is unreal,” Quattrin added. “This game is a big one before we look ahead to next week, but we have to focus on Chicago first. It would mean a lot to get the win here in front of our fans before heading into the Championship Final.”

Match Stats & Storylines:

• Rematch of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals: This matchup sees the Free Jacks face the Chicago Hounds once again, a team that gave them a tough fight last season.

• Top of the East: The Free Jacks sit at No. 1 in the Eastern Conference, just ahead of the Hounds (No. 2), but both teams share identical records. New England currently holds a two-point advantage due to their edge in bonus points.

• Impressive Defense: Both teams have been defensive powerhouses all season long. The Free Jacks (48) and the Hounds (50) have allowed the fewest tries in the league, making this a battle between two of the league’s stingiest defenses.

• Current Form: Chicago enters with a four-game win streak, while New England is on a three-game streak of their own.

Players to Watch:

• Chicago – Peyton Wall: Wall is a major offensive threat for the Hounds, carrying for 116 meters in Chicago’s win over Old Glory DC last week. He scored a try and made key contributions in attack, but he’ll need to sharpen his tackling for a complete performance in New England.

• New England – Wian Conradie: Conradie has been a rock in New England’s defense all season. With 17 tackles and a forced turnover in their previous game, he is instrumental in keeping the Free Jacks’ defense intact. Alongside Paula Balekana, Conradie’s efforts will be crucial in denying Chicago’s attack.

Previous Matchups in 2025:

• March 2, 2025 – Chicago Hounds 36, New England Free Jacks 7: The Free Jacks suffered a tough loss in this early season clash. Despite a strong individual effort from Jayson Potroz, Chicago was dominant, outgaining New England by over 300 meters.

• May 10, 2025 – New England Free Jacks 27, Chicago Hounds 17: The Free Jacks bounced back with a solid home win. The team scored four tries, with contributions from Joe Johnston, Jed Melvin, Cam Nordli-Kelemeti, and Paula Balekana. New England’s defense kept the Hounds from scoring in the second half.

How to Watch:

• Broadcast: ESPN2, ESPN+

This Saturday’s match will be one for the books, with both teams fighting for supremacy in the Eastern Conference. The Free Jacks are focused on delivering an exhilarating performance in front of their loyal fans, while Chicago will look to keep their momentum rolling as they prepare for the playoffs. Don’t miss out on what’s sure to be an unforgettable night of rugby!

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