Hear all about the MLR and Free Jacks from the players themselves
The New England Free Jacks hosted a media day ahead of the 2026 season on March 19, 2026. Players participated in videos for the Ledger TikTok.
The chase is on for the New England Free Jacks’ fourth straight Major League Rugby title.
The Quincy-based franchise enters the 2026 season with a flurry of change, including the hiring of new general manager Todd Thornley (replacing Thomas Kindley), the transition of long-time captain Josh Larsen to assistant coach and an overall “younger profile” to the roster, said head coach Ryan Martin.
Here’s your guide to everything Free Jacks-related this spring, from where to watch their games to what players and coaches think about the upcoming season:
How to watch
According to the Free Jacks’ website, games will be streamed on The Rugby Network and broadcasted on NBC Sports Boston.
Tickets
The team offers season memberships on its website and individual-game tickets through SeatGeek, its official partner.
Schedule
Home games are played at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Quincy.
March 28 (preseason): Home, vs. Privateers RC, 2 p.m.
April 4: Away, at California Legion, 10 p.m.
April 11: Home, vs. Old Glory D.C., 4 p.m.
April 19: Away, at Chicago Hounds (in Nashville, TN), 3 p.m.
April 26: Home, vs. Anthem RC, 4 p.m.
May 3: Home, vs. Seattle Seawolves, 4 p.m.
May 9: Home, vs. California Legion, 4 p.m.
May 17: Away, at Old Glory DC, 4 p.m.
May 23: Away, at Anthem RC (in Charlotte, NC), 4 p.m.
May 31: Away, Seattle Seawolves, 8 p.m.
June 7: Home, Chicago Hounds, 2 p.m.
Festival themes
March 28 (preseason): Woodgy’s Winter Wonderland
April 11: Title Town Block Party
April 26: Around the World
May 3: Salute to Service
May 9: Free Jacks in Space
June 7: Island Time
Last season recap
The Free Jacks ended last season by claiming their third straight MLR championship with a 28-22 victory over the Houston SaberCats at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on June 28.
The team mounted a 17-point comeback vs. Chicago in the Conference Finals and finished the season with a 14-5 overall record. Head coach Ryan Martin, a New Zealand native, earned the MLR Coach of the Year award, and Paula Balekana (of Fiji) earned Player of the Year honors.
What the Free Jacks said about new season
Coach Ryan Martin on the team’s approach: “We needed to pick guys who are going to be resilient and come flying out of the starting blocks and such. … We’ve had some amazing trainings already, and the boys are really getting into each other. I kind of competed (with them) yesterday to have them in a cage and poke them with a stick. We’ll open the cage in a couple weeks’ time and see how they go,” he said jokingly.
First-year GM Todd Thornley on the team: “I was super impressed from the outside, obviously. Apart from the three championships in a row, the way they interact with the community is really awesome to see. I’ve heard players in the past that I’ve known come here and be really well looked after. … Now, as advertised, we are hungry, we are humble and we have a lot of fun at the same time.”
Center Ben Lesage (30, from Canada) on starting the season: “I’m thrilled to be back. Boston has become a second home, so every time coming back, it feels more and more comfortable. Just getting to know the group and getting back into the swing of things, it’s been a lot of fun.”
Back row Joe Johnston (28, from New Zealand) on being named a captain: “I just remember being young and all the things I wish I knew or how I was treated by the older boys. I’ve got a lot of positives to say about that. I just want to do the same as an older fella to the young boys. They’re all excited, and we’re pushing all of that energy in the right direction. It’s a cool challenge. I’m enjoying it.”
Outside back Mitch Wilson (29, from Australia): “The fans and the community have been really awesome to us. It’s a really strong sports fanbase up here, and for the Free Jacks to be included in that support, it’s really special. For not only myself but the guys new to the team, getting the ‘Free Jacks’ chants as we’re walking down the street in Quincy, or local discounts at the cafés, have been special, and you feel like you’re truly part of a community. We appreciate it, and want to give back to the fans as well.”
