The Free Jacks Announce Canadian Qualified English-Experienced Duo

Free Jacks sign Nordli-Kelemeti (Newcastle Falcons) and Von Dadelszen (Oxford University)

Quincy, MA – Premiership experienced scrumhalf Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, will be joining the Free Jacks for the 2024 MLR season from the Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership where he has been contracted since 2018 and made over 30 appearances.

Nordli-Kelemeti was a standout for England U18s and England sevens in the Junior Commonwealth Games. At 5 ’8, 192 lbs, Cam has a game-breaking running game, combined with his game management skills developed in the top echelon of the English game. 

Head Coach Scott Mathie is excited by Cam’s addition: “Cam brings English premiership experience which is going to be vital as we strengthen our scrum half position. He is a very dangerous player who possesses strong fundamentals and has the ability to unlock defenses with his running game. He is certainly an exciting addition to our family here in Quincy.”

The 24-year old has an amazing story having been born in Suva, Fiji and raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother passed away when he was six. Cam was only 11-years old when he made the journey from his home country to the United Kingdom to begin schooling at Terrington Hall Preparatory School in York having been identified through a scholarship program set-up to give talented Fijian rugby players the opportunity to get an education.

Qualified to represent Canada and England through adoption, as well as Fiji, Cam has a number of options and the Free Jacks look forward to playing an important role in his career as his new home.

Toronto born Piers von Dadelszen will join Cam in making the transatlantic journey straight out of Oxford University. The 23-year old is equally comfortable at Lock or across the Back Row where he can utilize his athletic 6 ’4 frame. 

Piers has earned four international caps since debuting for the Canadian Men’s National team in July of 2022. Upon joining the Free Jacks, Dadelszen will be reunited with several Rugby Canada teammates on the side who he will spend time with during Canada’s upcoming November tour to Spain.

Head Coach, Scott Mathie: “Piers operates as both a Blindside Flanker and Lock and will add to the growing depth we have in our back five. What sets him apart from his peers is his work rate and lineout prowess. We see Piers as a big part of the Free Jacks family for years to come.”

Off the pitch, Dadelszen recently completed his fourth year dissertation on the application of machine learning to aid in medical diagnosis for pregnant women from ultrasound imaging at Oxford University. 

“I am really excited to be joining the reigning Major League Rugby Champions in an amazing city like Boston. I am ready to roll up my sleeves, tackle challenges head-on, and work towards becoming an integral part of the team,” Dadelszen beamed on joining the side.

About New England Free Jacks: The Free Jacks are an aspiring and innovative live events, media, and consumer products organization. The core brand in the portfolio is The New England Free Jacks, the humble hard-working free-spirited professional rugby team competing in the emergent and exhilarating Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional rugby competition. For more information, please visit www.FreeJacks.com.