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The pandemic pause button was hit just before the New England Free Jacks were set to host their first ever Major League Rugby match in Weymouth. Making it doubly untimely was that several of the team’s best players were just returning to the lineup from injury. The Boston faithful will be counting the days until the start of the 2021 campaign.
RESULTS
Las Vegas was the home of the Free Jacks for the first two weeks of the season. It wasn’t so much the win that was the surprise in the opener against New York, but their complete dominance in a one-sided result. The team ran out of petrol in the second half against Utah to bring them back down to earth.
That was not the end of the West Coast road trip, however. San Diego was the next order of business, a match that could easily have been a blowout were it not for New England’s resilience. The Seawolves were another top challenge with the Free Jacks playing their part in an exciting contest. NOLA were a step ahead in what would be the last match of the season.
TOP PERFORMERS
Sean McNulty already had a taste of MLR from his brief loan period with RUNY in 2019, and the former Ireland age grade hooker was a key man at both the set piece and in the loose. Much of the hard work came from the second row where captain Josh Larsen partnered Jackson Thiebes and Conor Kindregan.
The backline were virtually all newcomers with Sam Beard and Liam Steel forming an effective midfield partnership. A returnee from the 2019 exhibition series, Danny Collins stepped in on the wing and showed he was capable of competing at the professional level. Mitch Wilson also proved an elusive attacking player with useful versatility.
NEW NAMES
Most of the starting side were new signings ahead of the inaugural MLR season. Others who made an impact aside from those mentioned above were Samoan prop Donald Brighouse, Fijian pair Naulia Dawai and Poasa Waqanibau, and quicksilver scrumhalf John Poland.
MISSING MEN
Injuries limited the appearances of several top players including props Tolu Fahamokioa and Kensuke Hatakeyama, flyhalf Tadhg Leader, and fullback Beaudein Waaka. Former Eagles prop Tony Purpura clocked zero minutes, while World Cup signing Ben Landry managed just one game before the season was abruptly called to a halt.
HOME BASE
Union Point Stadium was to be the home of the Free Jacks for 2020 but sadly will have to wait another year to welcome MLR. Its capacity was the lowest in the league and with demand high for tickets, the team may look to expand seating in preparation for next year.
WISH LIST
Despite sitting last in the ultra-competitive East Conference, New England are a well-constructed side with no glaring weaknesses on the roster. Another loose forward with size would be nice though Landry’s arrival mostly covers that. Otherwise a dedicated midfielder to rotate with Beard and Steel might be desirable, a spot that was never really filled after Peter Lupton dropped out before the season started.
OUTLOOK
It’s impossible to predict when injuries might strike and building team depth is the only way to prepare. Though the team only managed five games, that experience alone with several months of off-season skill development should see the team in good shape for 2021.
