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The best-dressed team in Major League Rugby is also unique. Despite joining in 2020 the New England Free Jacks have yet to play a regular season home game. April 3 is the date to circle on the calendar, a day that can’t come soon enough for a team that is a leading light in community engagement.
2020 RECORD: 1-4 (6th East, 8th overall)
HEAD COACH: Last year’s top man Josh Smith is now heading up the development program following the arrival of Ryan Martin from Otago. A skills and attack specialist who has also worked with the Rebels in Super Rugby, the New Zealander has brought some familiar faces with him.
CAPTAIN: Wearing the armband for a second season is Canadian international Josh Larsen. A vocal leader and a nuisance to the opposition at the lineout and just about any contact situation. Larsen has unusual footballing skills for a big man as evidenced by his sensational kick-pass at the Bermuda Tens.
STAR PLAYER: Next in line as vice-captain is Beaudein Waaka. Injury limited the former All Blacks Sevens playmaker to just two games in 2020 but he certainly showed his class. Capable of playing across the backline, he lined up at fullback last season. Played for Waikato in the Mitre 10 Cup during the off-season.
KEY DEPARTURE: Leaving the team to pursue a career as a professional football kicker, Tadhg Leader is a former captain and was the first choice flyhalf in 2020. As a twice-capped USA international he was a significant presence on attack with the ability to challenge the defensive line.
SMART SIGNING: Certain to make an impact on arrival is ex-Sharks captain Tera Mtembu. He won’t be the biggest No8 in MLR but he will be up there among the best ball carriers. At just 30 years old Mtembu still has petrol in the tank to make up for time lost in Super Rugby due to injury.
ONE TO WATCH: Set to take over the No10 shirt from Leader is another Otago arrival Harrison Boyle. The 21-year-old is US-eligible having been born in Boston and will be of immediate interest to Eagles selectors. At 6’4″ (1.94m) he will ask questions of the opposition with more than just his passing game.
STRENGTHS: The tight five features a good mix of experienced overseas pros and young American talent. If they can secure solid first phase possession there is lightning out wide ready to finish the job. New England’s outside backs match up well against any across the league.
CONCERNS: For all the positives it’s impossible to overlook the sheer volume of turnover. A new coach, entirely new front and back rows, and a new midfield. With no preseason games it will take time for the team to gel. Compared to the forwards the backs are a little low on numbers though one or two could soon arrive to solve that issue.
OUTLOOK: Competing in the ultra-competitive East Conference proved difficult in 2020 and will do so again in 2021. The Free Jacks will spend much of the first half of the season on the road which combined with the new names should make for a bumpy ride. Come the second half with six home games and no West Conference trips, expect a very different story.
