New England Free Jacks Mike Rudzinsky

The New England Free Jacks have their Rudy in Mike Rudzinsky. The 26-year-old flyhalf is 5’8″ and 185 lbs.

Mike attended Belmont Hill High School from 2006-2011. He played Varsity football as a running back from 2008-2010 and was special teams captain in 2010. He also practiced with the track and field team but meets interfered with rugby matches.

Mike then went to the University of South Carolina from 2011-2015, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics with a minor in Mandarin Chinese Studies. The team advanced to the D1AA Sweet 16 in 2014 and were the SCRC Champs in 2013 and in 2014. In 2015 the team played in USA Division 1 Sevens Nationals, advancing to the Shield Final.

Mike played for the U19 Challenge Cup Champs for the New England Rugby Football Union in Pittsburgh – 2009, the U19 Challenge Cup Champs for MYRO in Massachusetts in 2010 and was the Massachusetts Youth Rugby Organization U19 Select Side Captain in 2011.

He also played in the World Maccabiah Games in 2013 & 2017 for USA Maccabi Rugby. The team won ‘13 Bronze Medal in 15s in 2013 and the Gold Medal in 15s in 2017. In 2015 he was a participant in the Pan-American Maccabiah Games, with the team winning Gold in 7s and Silver in 15s in Chile for USA Maccabi Rugby.

Mike has played club rugby with Mystic River since 2009. He started the Youth Program with his father Dave, 14 years ago. In 2018 he helped Mystic River win the USA Rugby Men’s Division 1 National Championship, as well as helping the team gain third place in Club 7s Nationals.

Mike played for the New England Free Jacks during their 2018 exhibition season match against Rugby United New York. He hopes to contribute to the team during 2019 when they begin Cara Cup play on March 16 against the Connacht Eagles, Ulster Ravens, Munster A, and Leinster A. The team will also play the Toronto Arrows, Lansdowne FC, and Old Glory DC.