New England Free Jacks Win Major League Rugby Championship Final in Chicago

July 8, 2023 - Major League Rugby (MLR) News Release

New England Free Jacks celebrate the Major League Rugby Championship
(New England Free Jacks)

CHICAGO - Major League Rugby (MLR) today crowned New England victorious in the quest for the 2023 Championship Shield, as the Free Jacks defeated the San Diego Legion 25-24 in MLR's Championship Final.

New England overcame a 13-17 halftime deficit and took a one-point lead with two minutes left on the clock after Le Roux Malan's second try of the match. The No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences, New England entered the match on an 11-game winning streak, while San Diego arrived having won a league-record 14 in a row.

"The league extends its congratulations to the Free Jacks' athletes, coaches, front office, and city of New England for taking home their first-ever MLR Championship Shield," said MLR CEO Nic Benson. "We are thrilled to see the Free Jacks' hard work throughout the season culminate with a win at the 2023 Championship Final and lifting the MLR Shield for the first time."

SeatGeek Stadium, the home of the league's newest expansion team - the Chicago Hounds, welcomed more than 10,000 fans to Bridgeview, IL on Saturday. Festivities surrounding championship weekend featured youth rugby tournaments and performances by DJ Diesel (Shaquille O'Neal) and American Celtic Band Dropkick Murphys.

At halftime, MLR recognized Daniel Kriel as the recipient of the 2023 S. Marcus Calloway Award presented by Fastenal at halftime, presenting the Seattle Seawolves center with a commemorative trophy and donation to his nonprofit of choice.

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New England Free Jacks celebrate the Major League Rugby Championship

Major League Rugby Stories from July 8, 2023

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