City of Presidents now city of champions. Free Jacks bring home national rugby title

QUINCY – Newly crowned champions of the Major League Rugby, the New England Free Jacks returned home Sunday night to a heroes’ welcome after defeating the San Diego Legion by a single point Saturday, July 8, in suburban Chicago.

A squadron of police motorcycles escorted the team bus from Logan Airport to Kilroy Square, where a crowd of fans shouted congratulations and kids with rugby balls and pens pressed for autographs.

In the championship game, played before 10,000 fans, the Free Jacks came from behind to prevail in a dramatic match that featured four lead changes.

With both teams scoring three tries, the sure foot of New England fly-half Jayson Potroz – who was responsible for 10 points on two conversion kicks and two penalty kicks and was named “player of the match” − proved decisive.

The key moment came with just over two minutes left when inside center Le Roux Malan scored his second try of the game, which secured the championship shield for New England. The Free Jacks' victory snapped a league-record 14-game winning streak for the favored San Diego club.

Potroz, who kicked the ball high into the stands as time ran out, described the championship moment:

“It’s an awesome feeling,” he said. “It’s nice to be rewarded for six months of hard work. I’m stoked for everyone, not just the team, but all the supporters and everyone who’s a part of this. It’s awesome to come here and see everyone’s support.”

Coach Scott Mathie said continuity was key to the team's success this season.

“When you have continuity with the player group, the guys feel more comfortable in the environment,” he said. “They can be more vulnerable, and therefore they're more connected. That makes a big difference.”

Mathie said their opponents posed a variety of challenges.

“They’re a dangerous team," he said. "They have a lot of X factors. They’re very good at moving the ball into space, which is difficult to defend.”

The Free Jacks managed to overcome a halftime deficit through more aggressive play after the break, Mathie said.

“First half, we were a little too timid," Mathie said. "We probably kicked a bit too much. We changed in the second half, we came out and were a bit braver, used the ball a bit more, played with a bit more risk.”

Mathie said the championship means a lot for the sport’s popularity in the region.

“It’s massive,” he said. “We’re already growing the game, but you win a championship and you elevate that even more.

“It’s a proud moment for the city. The people who’ve been watching us all year are rewarded for that, and they feel proud and will tell more people about coming to games. So I’m excited. Next year, our first game, I can’t wait because it’s going to be crazy, man. … I’m excited for the growth, us and Quincy together.”

More: Ex-Patriot Patrick Chung now a big fan (and part owner) of pro rugby's Free Jacks

Club captain Josh Larsen, who missed Saturday’s action with a torn labrum and a dislocated shoulder, said the team and Quincy have built a strong relationship over the past three seasons. The Free Jacks began play in Major League Rugby in 2020 at Union Point in Weymouth, then moved the following year to Veterans Memorial Stadium off Hancock Street in Quincy.

“Quincy’s been awesome,” Larsen said. “They’ve adopted us.”

Noting the many Free Jacks banners displayed throughout the city, as well as the 5,000-seat Quincy Memorial Stadium that hosts their home games, Larsen said he expects the team’s popularity and bond with the city will continue to grow.

“What happens in the community is arguably as important as what happens on the field,” he said.

Beau Galligan, who recently finished second grade at Atherton Hough Elementary School, attended a rugby clinic at the South Shore YMCA on Coddington Street this past winter. His father, John Galligan, who owns Off the Hook Bar and Grill in Houghs Neck, said several Free Jacks players showed up once a week to provide instruction.

“They did all the rugby drills," Galligan said. "It was impressive."

Beau has taken to the sport. He and his dad tossed the rugby ball around Kilroy Square as they waited for the team to arrive. Not long after the bus pulled up alongside the curb, that ball was covered with autographs.

Other notable superfans in attendance for Sunday’s celebration were Mayor Thomas Koch and Ward 6 Councilor Bill Harris. Harris said he has been going to games at Veterans Stadium for years.

“(The Free Jacks) draw in folks from New England to see and enjoy our city,” he said.

Harris said the games have a party atmosphere where people dance to live music as they take in a first-class athletic event.

“It’s just incredible,” he said. “I’m so happy they squeaked it out.”

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Reach Peter Blandino at pblandino@patriotledger.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Quincy's Free Jacks celebrated after Major League Rugby championship