The Free Jacks are pleased to welcome the latest addition to the New England squad, Mikaea Wynyard. Wynyard will be joining the team on a one-year developmental contract through the 2022 season. At 6’6, 265lbs, the sizable San Jose native will be bringing plenty of grit to the NE second row.
“Super hyped to be joining the team for the 2022 MLR season,” exclaimed Wynyard. “Can’t wait to get out there and do some training, meet all my new teammates, see some familiar faces, and meet all the fans. I’m super blessed and want to thank y’all for this opportunity.”
Wynyard first picked up the rugby ball at the age of six for The Silicon Valley Youth Rugby Club in San Jose. He continued through his high school days in Leigh High School where he also split his time on the gridiron on both the offensive and defensive lines.
During his senior year in high school, Wynyard sought out even more competition playing for the San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club while also becoming a High School All-American named for the North American Four in 2019. This consisted of the best U18 players from around the country competing in Chula Vista, CA against top teams from Canada.
Wynyard’s standout performances led him to be selected to USA Rugby’s 9-week High Performance Pathways camp held in Glendale, CO this past fall.
“Mikaea joins our program as a development player with huge potential”, commented Free Jacks Performance Director, Tom Kindley. “We came across Mikaea through the Pathways program and saw an awesome opportunity to invest in the former USA Rugby U18 player’s development. At 6’6 he is a physical specimen and only 18 years of age. It will be interesting to see where Mikaea’s game can go after a year of full time S&C, rugby, and professional development.”
Though young, Mikaea WynyardWynyard already has an impressive rugby resume under his belt with plenty more potential. The San Jose lock will have the opportunity to truly excel under the guidance of the established Free Jacks forward pack in 2022.
