Former Maori All Black headlines latest New England Free Jacks signings

Former Maori All Blacks backrower Jacob Norris has found a new home with Major League Rugby powerhouse the New England Free Jacks, joining the three-time defending champions ahead of their quest for a four-peat.

New England have continued building their squad ahead of the 2026 campaign, announcing another eight signings on Friday. Norris headlines a group that also features a U.S.-born Australia U20 lock and a USA Eagles tighthead prop.

Ollie Aylmer, Alex Mackenzie, Filipe Vakasiuola, Sione Tupou, Braemar Murray, Maliu Niuafe, Jerad Latu and Norris were unveiled by the Free Jacks earlier this week, bolstering a solid squad that continues to take shape.

Norris is a product of the Waikato and Chiefs pathways in New Zealand, before helping Tasman Mako win back-to-back NPC titles. The 27-year-old moved to Bay of Plenty before the 2022 season, debuting in a tense 37-35 defeat to Wellington Lions on August 7.

Incoming Free Jacks forwards coach Pingi Tala’apitaga coached Norris at the Steamers. Norris has also spent time with the Crusaders and Chiefs wider squad, and played minutes in Super Rugby Pacific for the Western Force and Moana Pasifika.

Norris was brought into the Maori All Blacks squad as injury cover during a two-match series against Samoa in 2021, debuting for the prestigious representative side off the bench in a 35-10 win. He is the older brother of All Blacks front-rower Ollie Norris.

“It’s a massive honour and privilege to be part of such a great organisation with a proud history of success,” Norris said.

Vakasiuola has also played for the Steamers in New Zealand’s provincial competition, starting in two of nine appearances in 2025. The front-rower was named the Steamers Rookie of the Year in 2024, coming off the bench in the extra-time defeat to Wellington in the NPC Final.

Tupou is another Bay of Plenty representative heading to Fort Quincy. The hooker was selected for the Chiefs U20 squad in 2024, and then spent two seasons under coach Tala’apitaga at the Steamers – viewed as a front-rower with plenty of potential.

New York-born lock Aylmer is also a notable addition to New England’s roster. Aylmer helped the Brumbies U19s win a title years ago, before making six appearances for Australia at the U20 Rugby Championship and World Rugby U20 Championship.

“I am ultra stoked to play for this championship franchise! In a place where legends like Bobby Orr, Tom Brady, and Joe Johnston have left their mark, you know you’re in the right place,” Vakasiuola reflected.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity with the Free Jacks and excited to get going in March,” Aylmer added.

Mackenzie is qualified for both the USA Eagles and Japan, joining the Free Jacks after five seasons in the Top League. The loose forward was born in Japan but grew up in Seattle, having earned Collegiate All-American honours in 15s and sevens at Central Washington University.

Rising USA prop Niuafe adds international experience to the Free Jacks roster, having helped the national team secure their place at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. Niuafe debuted for the Eagles during this year’s Pacific Nations Cup.

Murray came through the ranks at world-renowned academies, including Newcastle Falcons and Stade Toulousain. The 21-year-old played for the USA at U18 and U20 levels, and has gone on to make 15 MLR appearances.

New England’s signing spree doesn’t stop there, with versatile back Latu adding esteemed MLR experience to a stacked roster. Latu was a college wide receiver before shifting to rugby in 2022, going on to play for Houston and Anthem Rugby Carolina.

“I am extremely excited to join such a storied franchise for the 2026 season. I’m looking forward to getting to work and putting my best foot forward for the organisation,” Latu said.