New England Free Jacks Pieter Jansen 2022 Profile

The New England Free Jacks Pieter Jansen for the second year of his contract for the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The 26-year-old hooker (27 in March is 6’0” and 230 lbs.

Pieter played 1036 minutes in 16 matches, starting 14, and scoring 4 tries during the 2021 MLR season for the Free Jacks. He then played with the Tel Aviv Heat in the Fall.

Pieter is from Springs, Gauteng, South Africa, and attended Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen, Boksburg. He arrived in Boston after playing with the Super Rugby’s Emirates Lions during the 2019-2020 season.

Pieter played youth rugby for the Falcons in 2008 and the Golden Lions from 2013-2016. From 2016-2020 he made 34 appearances for Golden Lions XV in the Rugby Challenge. He played with the Xerox Golden Lions in the Currie Cup, South Africa’s premier domestic competition, making 22 appearances and scoring 8 tries.

Brenden Nel Interview of Lions Hooker Pieter Jansen

New England Free jacks Comments

Jansen was a reliable and an important component of the Free Jacks front row last year where he demonstrated his skill within the set-piece. Disciplined on defense, Pieter completed 119 total tackles during the season, with 5 considered dominant. Not only did the South African hooker hit hard, but he also showed a knack for finding the try-line, scoring 4 tries in 16 games played.

“Pieter enjoyed a strong debut season and we are delighted to have him back for a second year to see him continue to be a leader within what is a strong core of returning players,” Free Jacks Performance Director Tom Kindley commented.

“A top quality set-piece operator, Pieter is also mature beyond his age and a fierce competitor. Lovingly referred to as the ‘old man’ of one of the team housing establishments last year, Pete brings with him a level of professionalism and leadership that he is respected for within the team and raises the standard of those around him.”