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Defending MLR champions Free Jacks sign three Collegiate Draft prospects
By Finn Morton
Three-time defending Major League Rugby champions the New England Free Jacks have signed multiple prospects from this year’s Collegiate Draft, headlined by a powerful backrower who is a product of two Super Rugby systems.
New England have continued to add experience and youth to a championship-pedigree squad during the off-season, as they chase a historic four-peat of titles – with that quest for more silverware getting underway in about three months.
Tevita Mapa, Remy Thomson and Filimone ‘Ami’ Manu are the latest additions to the Free Jacks roster, with the club confirming this week that they’ve signed the trio. New England selected Mapa and Thomson in the Draft, while the Utah Warriors picked Manu initially.
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Mapa was taken 10th overall in the 2025 MLR Collegiate Draft. Born in Oakland, raised in New Zealand and schooled in Australia, the loose forward’s journey to the Free Jacks has spanned multiple countries and academy systems.
The 23-year-old was raised in Auckland, New Zealand, but plied his trade with the Melbourne Rebels Academy from the ages of 12 to 17, before participating in Queensland Reds pathway sides and representing the prestigious First XV at St. Joseph’s Nudgee College.
Mapa played for Brothers Rugby Club in Queensland’s Premier Grade competition before moving back to the United States. The backrower helped Life University take out the ARP Championship in 2023 and 2024, earning Rugby East All-Conference honours in 2024 and 2025.
“Signing with the Free Jacks is an incredible honour and opportunity,” Mapa said in a statement
“I’m excited to join a club that values hard work, culture, and community, and I can’t wait to give everything I have to help bring success to New England.”
Thomson was the final player taken in this year’s collegiate draft, chosen with the ninth pick in the third round. The scrum-half is a product of the English system with Oxford Quins RFC and then Hartpury College.
In the USA, Thomson captained Notre Dame College to NCR National Championship glory in 2023 before transferring to Walsh University. Thomson went on to receive NCR All-American honours and was chosen as a co-captain of the NCR Select Side this year.
Thomson played minutes for local side Mystic River and recently completed a sports management internship with the Free Jacks. The No. 9 will qualify as a pathway US-eligible player through residency.
“It’s an honour to be part of a team with such great history and success, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play with the Free Jacks,” Thomson explained.
Manu is the other player unveiled by New England this week, with the outside back initially taken by Utah before securing a trade. The wing/fullback was taken 15th overall and also qualifies as a US-eligible player through residency.
The 22-year-old was born in American Samoa but grew up in New Zealand, coming through the Waikato rugby and rugby league pathways as a scrum-half. It wasn’t until Manu moved to the USA that he began playing in the back three during his career at American International College.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for this opportunity placed before me,” Manu reflected.
“It’s been an incredibly hectic journey to get here, but I’m excited to dive into the season and give it everything I have.”
The Free Jacks start another title defence away to California Legion on Saturday, April 4.
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