Article Update – Spencer Krueger Signing

The New England Free jacks signed Ohio State University Prop Spencer Krueger, who was the 18th pick in the second round of the Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft. The 22-year-old is 6’1″ and 260 lbs.

Spencer is from Arlington Heights, Illinois, and attended John Hersey High School where he was an “offensive and defensive lineman when he played for coach Joe Pardun and he was also a varsity wrestler, honors student and volunteer.” He also competed on the track and field team with the shot put and discus and was honored with the Burlsworth character award in recognition of outstanding character and sportsmanship nationwide.

From 2011-2016 he played rugby with the Arlington Rugby Stallions team directed by Paul Bergman according to the Daily Herald and was the team’s captain in his junior and senior years.

Spencer attended Ohio State University from 2016-2020 and will graduate with a Bachelors in Logistics Management after attending the Fisher School of Business. He concentrated on rugby while in college under Tom Rooney and was recognized as a third-team Collegiate All-American in 2018, as well as the captain of the Men’s rugby program in his final two years, and the Interim Club president in 2017. He was an All-Ohio Collegiate 15s team selection in 2016 and was ranked by FLO Rugby as the #5 tighthead in 2017 and #2 in 2018.

He also continued his rugby development with the Chicago Lions in 2018, playing several matches in the National 15 tournament under Coach Dave Clancy’s leadership. He went to Christchurch, New Zealand, and played with Marist Albion RFC and helped the club gain 5th place in the club competition in 2018 under Coach Simon Scott. While there, he also participated in the Crusaders International Academy. IHPU program led by coach Grant Keenan.

Spencer will join the Ohio Aviators at the World Tens Series starting October 24th in Bermuda. His former Ohio State University Head Coach, Tom Rooney, is the team’s director, Free Jack Zack Stryffeler is managing the side, and additional Major League Rugby players are on the side, as well as on other teams.

New England Free jacks Draft Comments

“We were impressed by the impression Spencer had made during his time with Marist Albion RFC and at the Crusaders IHPU program, no mean feat,” commented Tom Kindley, Free Jacks High-Performance Manager. “Spencer has the tools to succeed at the next level, a sound scrummaging front-row forward, and gets around the field well. More importantly, we see Spencer as a guy that will quickly become a fine Free Jack in his character and willingness to learn. All matters combined, we are excited to see his development as an emerging domestic front-rower in our environment next season.”

We are excited to welcome Spencer to New England where he will develop as a leader of the game on and off the field.

New England Free jacks Signing Comments

“I am honored and excited to have been part of the first MLR collegiate draft and to have been selected by the Free Jacks organization,” said Krueger. “I cannot wait to get to work and contribute to the team wherever I can.”

“We were impressed by the impression Spencer made during his time with Marist Albion RFC and the Crusaders IHPU program, no mean feat,” commented Tom Kindley, Free Jacks Performance Manager. “Spencer has the tools to succeed at the next level, a sound scrummaging front-row forward, and gets around the field well. More importantly, we see Spencer as a guy that will quickly become a fine Free Jack in his character and willingness to learn. All matters combined, we are eager to see his development as an emerging domestic front-rower in our environment next season.”

We are excited to welcome Spencer to New England where he will develop as a leader of the game on and off the field.

Join Spencer and the Free Jacks for a virtual Town Hall “News and Brews,” on October 15. Grab a Free Jacks IPA, join the virtual gathering, and get to know the newest Free Jacks and the returning players. RSVP using the link here: https://www.freejacks.com/news-and-brews/.