The New England Free Jacks signed Jayson Potroz for the 2023 Major League Rugby Season. The 30-year-old flyhalf (31 in November) is 6’0″ and 200 lbs.
The Taranaki, New Zealand native joins the squad after playing with the Taranaki Bulls Bunnings NPC (Mitre 10 Cup) club 2018. He has played in over 30 matches for the Bulls.
He played age group, development, rugby sevens, and during the preseason before his debut against Poverty Bay in 2018. That season, he started 10 matches and scored 17 points, 9 of the matches at fullback and another at wing. He was named Back of the Year, the first non-Super Rugby player to do so, as well as Sevens Player of the Year.
Jayson attended Francis Douglas Memorial College where he played for the 1st XV. After leaving the school, he played for Stafford from 2009 through 2013 and since then has played with Tukapa in the Taranaki Premier competition at flyhalf for over 100 matches.
New England Free Jacks Comments
“Jayson comes to us on the back of many successful years in the NPC,” noted Free Jacks Head Coach, Scott Mathie. “He has come of age as a pivot, combining his attacking prowess with a measured kicking game. He will give us the direction we need and bring a real threat to our attacking systems. He’s a player that will have the respect of his peers off the bat and will fit in well with what we are about here in New England. To be able to bring in a player of his proven quality is a big coup for us and we are excited to see his story unfold here at the Free Jacks.”
“Jayson has an awesome story in becoming a professional rugby player, somewhat unconventional in this day and age as he is a true one club professional,” said general manager Tom Kindley. “Jayson played premier club rugby in his region since 2009, he has represented Taranaki through the age grades and 7s program before cracking into the Taranaki NPC side initially starting as a wing/fullback before moving to more of a mainstay at 10. He is a wise head with the ability to take on the line and create attacking opportunities, as well as utilize his sound game management skills, Jayson will be a handful for the opposition. He and his family are looking forward to a new adventure in his rugby career. A humble hardworking team-first guy, he will be a great fit for New England.”
“I’m very grateful and excited to have the opportunity to join the New England Free Jacks organization.” said Jayson “I’m looking forward to meeting all the staff and my new teammates, earning all their respect by working hard and being a good bugger. Also to the fans and the community, I can’t wait to get involved and meet you all.”
Outside of rugby Jayson enjoys golf, basketball, and fishing.
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