World-Class: Free Jacks Sign two major International talents, Jone Koroiduadua and Sam Caird
World-Class: Free Jacks Sign two major International talents, Jone Koroiduadua and Sam Caird
The New England Free Jacks Bring World Class Talent to the 2025 Roster
The New England Free Jacks are thrilled to announce the signing of two major international talents, Fijian prop Jone Koroiduadua and New Zealand lock Sam Caird.
Both players bring a plethora of experience from their respective countries at the highest levels of play. These high-profile signings mark significant reinforcements in the tight five as the Free Jacks aim to build on their recent successes and continue to excel in Major League Rugby (MLR).
Jone Koroiduadua: Explosive Power in the Front Row
Enter Flying Fijian prop Jone Koroiduadua from Sigatoka or ‘Rugby Town’ on the Coral Coast of Fiji. The highly touted prop is one of Fiji’s brightest up and coming talents, and will bring an unparalleled level of power and physicality to the Free Jacks’ front row.
At only 25, Koroiduadua already boasts an impressive rugby resume, having played over 20 games for the Fijian Drua over three seasons of Super Rugby Pacific and earned international experience with two caps for the Flying Fijians, including selection for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Jone plays locally for Nadroga, the most successful provincial team in Fiji rugby history. He spent two years in France with Top 14 club ASM Clermont Auvergne and even had a stint with the national rugby league team, the Fiji Bati.
Koroiduadua is a destructive scrummager on either side of the scrum, having played an important role in the quality Fijian Drua scrum within Super Rugby Pacific last season. The 255 lb prop carries a reputation as a powerful athlete, effective in the collision with or without ball in hand, a crucial asset for the Free Jacks’ forward pack.
Highlight Reel
profile
NAME: Jone Koroiduadua
POSITION: Prop
HEIGHT: 5’10”
WEIGHT: 256lbs
PREVIOUS TEAM: Fijian Drua
HOMETOWN: Sigatoka, Fiji
CAREER TO DATE:
- Nadroga Under-20 | ’18
- Nadroga | ’19 – ’21
- Fijian Drua | ’21 – 24
- Flying Fijian | 2020 – 2024
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
- In 2019, represented the Fijian Drua in the National Rugby Championship
- 2 caps for Fiji
Give us a Fun Fact:
“I am a Former Police Constable”
Sam Caird: A Towering Presence in the Lineout
Joining the New England roster is New Zealand-born lock Sam Caird, a seasoned professional with experience in Super Rugby and New Zealand’s provincial competition, the NPC. Caird comes to the Free Jacks from Northland Rugby, following in the footsteps of Head Coach Ryan Martin, who also made the move from Northland earlier this year.
At 6’7” and 260 pounds, Caird is an imposing figure who will immediately enhance the Free Jacks’ lineout and physicality in tight play. Caird brings a wealth of experience from his time with teams such as the NSW Waratahs and Highlanders within Super Rugby where he has earned 14 appearances.
The giant lock has long been part of New Zealand rugby’s fabric, representing the NZ Under 20 side in 2016 and 2017, coming off the bench in New Zealand’s emphatic 64-17 Under 20 world championship victory against England in 2017.
He has featured in New Zealand’s National Provincial Competition since 2016, where he has become a leader with Northland ‘Taniwha’ in New Zealand’s domestic competitions where he has played over 50 matches since arriving from Waikato in 2019. Caird spent the 2023 Top League season with the Kintetsu Liners in Japan before returning to play for Northland in this year’s NPC.
Caird’s genuine lock size, combined with his rugby IQ and aerial ability will make him a key lineout option, while his experience in the ultra-competitive environments of Super Rugby and the New Zealand U20s will bring tactical sophistication to the Free Jacks’ pack. His presence on and off the field will serve as a cornerstone for the team’s continued growth in the coming season.
profile
NAME: Sam Caird
POSITION: Lock
HEIGHT: 6’7″
WEIGHT: 260 lbs
PREVIOUS TEAM: Northland 19
HOMETOWN: Whangarei, New Zeland
CAREER TO DATE:
- Northland Rugby | 19 – 24
- Kintetsu Liners | 22 – 23
- Highlanders | 22 – 22
- NSW Waratahs | 21 – 21
- Blues | 20 – 20
- Waikato | 17 – 19
- New Zealand U20’s | 16 – 17
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Winning U20 World Cup
- NPC 2024 league Stats
– Top 8% in most clean lineout catches in the league
– Top 4% in tackles completed
– Top 6% for most dominant tackles
What excites you the most about playing professional rugby in New England?
“I’m really excited to join a club that has set the standard of rugby in the MLR over the last few years and look forward to upholding that standard. Also I just want to do my best for the team”.
Game-Changing Impact
The signings of Koroiduadua and Caird not only enhance the Free Jacks’ roster but also embody head coach Ryan Martin’s vision to elevate rugby standards in New England and complement a strong returning contingent of players. By integrating players with international and super rugby experience, Martin is positioning the team for ongoing evolution, continually raising the competitive bar. This strategy highlights the commitment to not only thrive in Major League Rugby but also to push the limits of what excellence looks like for rugby in America.
Koroiduadua and Caird stand as two of the most pivotal signings in the franchise’s history. Their unique blend of size, skill, and international pedigree will solidify the Free Jacks’ forward platform, a critical aspect of winning at the highest level. As the team strives for more MLR excellence, their impact will be felt in both set pieces and open play.
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