The New England Free Jacks signed Scotland international Dougie Fife through the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The soon to be 30-year-old later this week has played wing, fullback, and center. He is 6’2″ and 210 lbs.
Dougie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and attended Firrhill High school, where he excelled in both rugby and academics. He attended Telford College, earning a Higher National Diploma in sports coaching with development in sports. He also went to Edinburgh Napier University, where he earned a degree in Sports Coaching.
He played club rugby with Boroughmuir before playing with Currie 1st XV in the Scotland Premiership First Division. This was prior to his joining Edinburgh in 2011 in the PRO 14. While with Edinburgh from 2011-2016, and again later in 2017-2020, he made 125 appearances.
Dougie has represented Edinburgh in both the U17s and U18s and has represented Scotland in both age-grade, 7s, and in 15s. he played for Scotland U17s and made his debut for the U19s against Italy in Edinburgh in 2009. He also played for the U20s during the 2009-2010 season in the U20s Six Nations and made 10 appearances with the team.
In 2010-2011 he spent time with the Scotland Sevens program, but it was in 2016-2020 that he played 81 times and scored 135 points in the HSBC World Sevens Series. The team won the London Sevens for consecutive years in 2016 and 2017 and he was named the Player of the Final in 2016.
After moving through the EDP program, he made his Scotland A debut against the England Saxons, winning for the first time in 2013. He also played for the Senior National Team (Cap #1053), making his debut in the final game of the 2014 Six Nations Championship against Wales at Millennium Stadium, Mar 15, 2014, and also played in the 2015 Six Nations. The last of his 8 tests were against Argentina at Resistencia on June 23, 2018, in the team’s tour of the Americas.
New England Free Jacks Comments
“I’m delighted to be joining the Free Jacks and Major League Rugby. It’s a really exciting team and league to be coming in to,” commented Fife. “I can’t wait to get over to Boston and meet all the lads, the fans and community, and most of all start building towards a big season in MLR. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished these past nine years with Edinburgh and Scotland, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure being a part of the growth of the game of rugby in the US.”
A veteran of both the game of 7s and 15s, Fife will bring agility, power, and speed to New England. Fans can expect to see Fife use his considerable frame to great effect in the aerial battle under the high ball.
“The excitement machine Dougie Fife comes to the Free Jacks with a proven track record of playing at the highest level of the game having represented Scotland in both 7s and 15s,” said Ryan Martin, Free Jacks’ new Head Coach. “Dougie is an explosive player with the ability to score from anywhere on the field. Keep your eye on this big, powerful Scotsman when the Free Jacks take the field next year.”
The Free Jacks are excited to welcome Fife who will bring a wealth of talent and experience to the Free Jacks’ Squad. Join Dougie and the Free Jacks for a virtual meet and greet, “News and Brews” on Thursday, August 13th. Grab a Free Jacks IPA and join the virtual gathering and get to know the newest Free Jack. RSVP using the link here: https://www.freejacks.com/news-and-brews/.
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