New England Free Jacks Secure Historic Major League Rugby Three-Peat

The New England Free Jacks made Major League Rugby history by winning their third consecutive MLR championship, becoming the first team to achieve a three-peat. The championship final, held in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, saw the Free Jacks narrowly defeat the Houston SaberCats 28-22 in a fiercely contested match. Key moments included multiple penalty goals by Dan Hollinshead and tries from Paula Balekana, who tied the MLR record with his 15th try, and Sam Caird. The Free Jacks, owned partly by former players and a retired Patriot, benefited from playing close to their home base in Quincy, Massachusetts, which helped rally strong local fan support. Coach Ryan Martin and man of the match Brock Webster emphasized the team's resilience, aggressive play style, and willingness to take risks even in the final moments. The victory cements the Free Jacks as a new sports dynasty in U.S. professional rugby, drawing comparisons to historic championship runs in other sports.