A Recap of the Free Jacks Academy and Shield Tour 2024
Written by Oliver Gilpin
After the 2024 Championship Victory, the Free Jacks got straight to work spreading the Championship Joy and growing the sport in the Free Jacks Academy and Shield tour. In this article we will recap the tour and say thank you to all who participated and made this special trip across the towns and cities of New England Possible!
Stops 1 – 4: A Championship Celebration
The tour kicked off with a bang, as the Free Jacks were honored at key events throughout the region.
Stop 1: Taste of Quincy Food Festival (August 7)
The Free Jacks were the Guests of Honor at the vibrant Taste of Quincy Food Festival, where the team enjoyed a warm welcome from the local community. Fans indulged in a variety of culinary delights, while celebrating the Free Jacks’ monumental 2024 championship victory. The night featured speeches from players and coaches, followed by a Q&A session and a celebratory party. It was an intimate opportunity for fans to connect with the team, with local brewery partners Widowmaker and Breakrock providing drinks, making the evening a festive celebration of local flavors and rugby pride.
Stop 2: New England Patriots Game at Gillette Stadium (August 8)
The Free Jacks’ next stop saw them taking center stage at Gillette Stadium, where they were honored by the New England Patriots during their game against the Carolina Panthers. The Free Jacks’ championship victory resonated through Foxborough, reinforcing the team’s rising profile in New England’s sports landscape.
Stop 3: Championship Celebration Rally (August 11)
In a grand display of community support, Quincy hosted a Championship Rally at Kilroy Square. The event was packed with Free Jacks fans, who celebrated alongside players, coaches, and staff. The rally featured a parade-style escort through Quincy, culminating in an unforgettable afternoon filled with craft brews from Widowmaker and lively discussions with the Free Jacks about their historic win. The Championship Shield was on display, and fans soaked in the atmosphere of triumph and camaraderie.
Stop 4: Boston Logan Airport (August 15)
The Free Jacks’ tour extended its reach as Boston Logan Airport recognized the team’s accomplishment. Terminal E was buzzing with travelers and fans alike, offering a unique and public acknowledgment of rugby’s growing presence in New England.
Stops 5 – 11: free jacks academy & shield tour
From August 25 to October 6, the Free Jacks Academy Tour rolled through six locations across New England, leaving a lasting impression on young rugby enthusiasts and their families. These stops weren’t just about celebrating victory but also about nurturing future talent.
At each stop, the Academy events included three key components: Learn to Play sessions, Free Jacks Academy ID & Pathway sessions, and the MLR Shield presentation.
Learn to Play Sessions
Designed for children aged 8–14 with little to no rugby experience, the Learn to Play sessions were a major highlight. These sessions gave young players the chance to be coached by Free Jacks staff and players, learn fundamental rugby skills, and have a lot of fun in the process. From catching and passing to tackling and breakdown technique, the clinics provided valuable skill-building activities, with every participant receiving a boot bag and drink bottle. Post-clinic autograph sessions allowed the kids to meet their rugby heroes up close, making each stop a memorable day for aspiring athletes.
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Free Jacks Academy ID & Pathways
The Academy ID sessions served as a launching pad for New England’s homegrown rugby talent. Focused on players aged 14–23, these sessions identified promising athletes for future Academy events and even the chance to progress to national and Olympic teams. Players were evaluated on key rugby skills and physical performance, with the Free Jacks coaching staff offering insights into what it takes to succeed at the elite level. Thomas Grant, the Free Jacks’ Head of Academy & Community, emphasized the importance of these sessions: “These sessions are the first step toward playing elite and professional rugby. From Learn to Play to Academy ID, we are always on the lookout for talent. These sessions help us discover the players in our backyard and help them excel—whether it’s with the Free Jacks or progressing to national and Olympic teams.”
Stop 5: West Hartford, CT (August 25) West Hartford Black Hearts RFC?
The tour’s first Academy stop in West Hartford kicked off with great energy. The Free Jacks connected with the local rugby community, offering young players the chance to learn the sport and showcase their skills. It was a day filled with development and the excitement of potential future Free Jacks.
Stop 6: Keene, NH (September 8) Keene State College Keene
Keene State College Keene saw a fantastic turnout, with youth participants eager to engage in the Learn to Play sessions. As young players learned the game’s fundamentals, the community gathered to support the next generation of rugby talent. The Academy ID session in Keene highlighted several standout athletes who demonstrated exceptional promise.
Stop 7: Quincy, MA (September 11) Quincy’s Central Middle School
More than 250 students from Quincy Central Middle School Joined us for an epic shield celebration. This stop on the tour found the Free Jacks back on home turf for a welcome home that’ll be long remembered. Players, Coaches and Staff got together with the teachers and students to congratulate one another on the Free Jacks Back to Back Championship wins. This stop reinforced the importance of community in everything we do.? ??
Stop 8: Hampton, NH (September 15) Town of Hampton In Hampton
the Free Jacks were greeted by a passionate rugby community. The youth clinic and ID session were packed with energy, as young players soaked up knowledge and training. The stop reinforced the importance of grassroots rugby development in smaller towns throughout New England.
Stop 9: Bristol, RI (September 22) Roger Williams University Bristol
Roger Williams University Bristol offered a coastal backdrop for a day filled with rugby. The Free Jacks shield was a hit with families, and the Academy sessions continued to draw out the best of New England’s budding talent. Several athletes caught the eyes of the Academy staff, showcasing skills that will likely see them at future Free Jacks events.
Stop 10: Freeport, ME (September 29) Portland Youth and High School Rugby
The tour then made its way to Freeport, where rugby enthusiasts gathered to learn, play, and celebrate the sport. This stop demonstrated the broad reach of rugby through New England.
Stop 11: Burlington, VT (October 6) Burlington Rugby Club and Burlington High School The final stop of the tour in Burlington, Vermont, was a fitting conclusion to the Academy series. Surrounded by picturesque fall foliage, the event drew participants from across the state. The Free Jacks’ presence left a lasting impact, as young players and fans alike were inspired by the team’s success and their commitment to nurturing local talent.
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A huge thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated with us! We look forward to seeing you in Quincy for the 2025 Major League Rugby season.
If you would like to learn more about the Free Jacks Academy or the work the Free Jacks do with the Community, please reach out to Thomas Grant - Community and Academy Lead