Quincy, MA – The New England Free Jacks are pleased to announce the return of Paula Balekana and Andrew Quattrin to the club.

After spending his first MLR season playing for the Houston SaberCats in 2021, Balekena has been with the Free Jacks since the 2022 season. The winger was originally born in Fiji, but spent most of his developmental years playing in Australia in Europe. With the Free Jacks, he has been a crucial asset to the club’s three MLR Championship titles, leading the league in tries in 2023 and being named MLR Player of the Year in 2025.

Quattrin was also a key player in the Free Jacks string of championships, joining the team during the 2023 season. He has been competing in the MLR since 2019, but spent his first four seasons representing the Toronto Arrows. Born in Canada, he started playing rugby during his freshman year at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario that carved a pathway to his provincial and national athletic career.

“As experienced, high-performing professionals, their presence will immediately strengthen our leadership and enhance our training environment,” said Todd Thornley, general manager of the Free Jacks.

In addition to the veteran players, the Free Jacks have also acquired Cam Gerlach and Adam Chadwick, with Chadwick being New England’s most recent draft pick.

“Both will provide valuable depth and competition within their respective positional groups,” said Thornley. “We believe their best rugby is ahead of them and look forward to working with both players.”

Gerlach was originally born in Long Beach, California, before moving to New Zealand where he developed his skills in rugby before playing at the provincial level representing Thames Valley in Heartland Championship appearances. He moved to the MLR in 2025, playing for Rugby FC Los Angeles before getting traded to Anthem Rugby Carolina.

The versatile backline player will bring his strong kicking and passing accuracy to the Free Jack roster.

Chadwick is an English-born rugby player, playing both hooker and prop positions. After playing for a leading rugby academy in the UK, Hartpury College, he attended Life University where he was named a D1A All-American three times and selected for the Rugby East All-Conference Team.

He was selected ninth overall in the first round by the New England Free Jacks in the 2025 MLR Draft.

As the Free Jacks continue through the tail end of the regular season, these four will be valuable additions to the pitch and the locker room.

About the New England Free Jacks

The New England Free Jacks are Greater Boston’s professional rugby team competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional rugby competition, and are the three-time defending MLR Champions. Representing the six New England states on and off the field, the Free Jacks deliver unforgettable matchday experiences at their home in Quincy, MA, while producing dynamic digital content that connects with fans across the region. Built on the values of community, hard work, and free-spirited competition, the Free Jacks believe life is better together, on and off the pitch. For more information, visit www.FreeJacks.com.

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