The New England Free Jacks signed Mitch Jacobson for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The 26-year-old back-row (27 in January) is 6’2″ and 230 lbs.
Mitch is from Te Awamutu, New Zealand, and attended Cambridge High School, and then the University of Waikato.
Mitch played for the New Zealand Schools in 2014, making 5 appearances. He played three years for the New Zealand under-20s, including winning the World Rugby under-20s Championship in 2015, which was held in Italy.
He played his senior rugby with Waikato since 2015 and was the captain of the team, which played in the National Provincial Championship. He was an injury replacement for the Super Rugby Chiefs, where he made 2 appearances. In 2020 he played with the Sunwolves.
New England Free Jacks Comments
The New Zealand native will bring a wealth of experience from his time in the NPC and Super Rugby competitions as well as a dogged style of play and a team-first attitude. A regular fixture of the Waikato Rugby Union since only 19 years of age, Jacobson has been a standout due to his nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic and leadership ability.
“The Jacobson surname is a famous one in New Zealand and Mitch has led by example at every level of the game,” commented General Manager Tom Kindley. “Coming off a strong campaign with Waikato will bring huge leadership, experience, and the highly valued work rate and relentlessness that New England fans have come to love from our back rowers.”
“I’m most excited about experiencing a new culture and playing environment as this will be my first time living and playing in the US,” commented Jacobson. “I hope to be able to contribute to the team both on and off the field and push for a maiden MLR title for the Free Jacks.”
Off the pitch, Mitch enjoys golfing and is excited to explore the city of Boston.
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