New England Free Jacks signed New Zealander Jesse Parete through the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The 28-year-old back-row (29 in April) is 6’4″ and 245 lbs.
Jesse is from Manaia Town District, New Zealand, and attended New Plymouth Boys’ High School. He began playing rugby at the age of 16 with the Melbourne Storm, competing in Australia’s National Rugby League.
In 2014 Parete returned home playing with Taranaki in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship competition. He played with the Bay of Plenty in 2016 and 2017 and his performance earned him a Super Rugby contract with the Waikato Chiefs the following Super Rugby season.
In 2020 he joined the Super Rugby Highlanders and in 2021 the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan’s Top League.
New England Free Jacks Comments
“Kia Ora Free Jacks whanau,” Parete commented to his new Free Jacks family.’ “I’m looking forward to getting over to Boston and experiencing life in the USA. Can’t wait to get into some Mahi (work) with the boys and getting to know everyone from the boys in the team to all the staff behind the scenes that get us on the paddock each weekend!”
“I’m excited about Jesse joining the Free Jacks,” emphasized Free Jacks Assistant Coach Mike Rogers. “Jesse is a physical and uncompromising player, he brings a lot of intensity and energy to our pack, not to mention a lot of high-level experience having played Super Rugby in NZ for the Chiefs and Highlanders as well as Top League in Japan for Canon. Off the field, Jesse is a relaxed person who is passionate about the communities that he represents which will be a great fit for the Free Jacks.”
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