Free Jacks add ex-Highlanders prop to coaching staff for 2026

Former Bay of Plenty and Highlanders prop Pingi Tala’apitaga has joined the New England Free Jacks’ coaching staff ahead of the 2026 Major League Rugby season, as the three-time defending champions chase a historic four-peat.

Tala’apitaga is the latest coach from New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship to sign on with the Free Jacks, following current championship-winning head coach Ryan Martin and former assistant Mike Rogers.

Before moving into coaching, Tala’apitaga enjoyed a successful playing career with the Bay and Highlanders, helping the team win the 2015 Super Rugby title. Tala’apitaga also spent a few years in France’s Pro D2.

Jamie Joseph, Tony Brown, Wayne Smith, Dave Rennie and Calyon McMillan were some of the world-renowned coaches who worked with Tala’apitaga throughout his playing career. Tala’apitaga has since followed in their footsteps by becoming a coach.

Tala’apitaga worked with the then-world champion Black Ferns in 2023 and has helped the Bay standout in the NPC with a menacing defensive line. This season, the Steamers finished the regular season in third place with a 7-3 record.

“We pride ourselves on having ambitious coaches that are excellent at making players better,” Free Jacks General Manager Tom Kindley said in a statement.

“Pingi is a guy that prioritises building strong connections with his athletes and we have no doubt he is well equipped to continue to build on the great work to date in 2026.”

Head coach Martin added: “Pingi is currently in charge of one of the best set-piece packs in the NPC with the Bay of Plenty. He is an astute operator who I have been admiring from afar & after speaking with him I am in no doubt about the special places he will take the Free Jacks forward pack for the upcoming season!”

New England secured their first of three straight MLR championships when they defeated San Diego Legion 25-24 two years ago. The Free Jacks defended their title with a nine-point triumph over Seattle Seawolves in the 2024 championship game.

No team in MLR history had secured a three-peat before New England, who achieved that feat with a 28-22 win against Houston SaberCats in June. They had an 11-5 record in the round-robin before defeating Miami Sharks and Chicago Hounds during their run to the title.

“Some would say it’s a daunting task to go somewhere they have already won it three times. I prefer to look at it from another lens,” Tala’apitaga explained.

“Sport in New England – the Celtics, the Red Sox, the Patriots – they’re all winners. We’ve got a rugby team that wants to make it four in four. I’m hugely excited by it. I love these dynasty places. They really attract me. It resonates with me. I’m really looking forward to that challenge.”