MLR champions make statement with wave of New Zealand signings

Former Blues U20s flyer Nathan Salmon is heading Stateside in 2026, joining another three New Zealand products in signing deals with three-time defending Major League Rugby champions the New England Free Jacks.

New England have bolstered their roster in a bid to secure a four-peat of championship crowns, previously announcing the signings of USA Eagles representatives Mitch Wilson, Nate Sylvia and Ethan McVeigh, as well as a host of MLR veterans.

Three new recruits with experience in New Zealand provincial systems are the latest additions to the Free Jacks squad. Northland winger Salmon, Otago lock Reuben Palmer, and Tasman enforcer Tayne Hemopo have all signed on.

Boston-born playmaker Harrison Boyle has re-signed with New England. Boyle was raised in Wellington, captaining one of the most prestigious High School First XV’s in the country to a Wellington Schools Championship.

Salmon impressed throughout New Zealand’s age-grade systems. As a product of Whangarei and Whangarei Boys’ High School, the winger went on to play for NZ U18s Sevens, NZ U19s in 15s, and for the NZ Secondary Schools Barbarians.

The now 20-year-old represented the Blues at U20s level before debuting for Northland in 2024, making 17 NPC appearances and scoring four tries to date. Salmon started in two of nine appearances last season, scoring tries away to Auckland and at home against Wellington.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to see a new part of the world, experience new cultures, and play some hissing rugby with the Free Jacks in 2026,” Salmon said in a statement.

Palmer brings invaluable size and physicality to the Free Jacks for 2026. The 6’7” lock received a National Development Contract after being recruited by the Otago and the Highlanders in 2023, but is yet to debut at either NPC or Super Rugby Pacific levels.

Hemopo started five of eight appearances for Tasman Mako in 2025, scoring a try away to North Harbour in round four. The young backrower played alongside All Blacks Ethan Blackadder and David Havili in a star-studded squad last season.

“I’m extremely grateful to the club for giving me an opportunity to live out my childhood dream and represent a proud history and community in New England,” Palmer reflected.

Hemopo added: “First I would like to thank the man above for this opportunity to represent the Free Jacks in the 2026 season. I am very grateful, and I will wear the jersey with pride and honour.”

The Free Jacks have also announced the re-signing of Boston-born fly-half/fullback Boyle, who returns for his fourth season in Fort Quincy. Raised in Wellington, the former St. Patrick’s College Silverstream First XV captain progressed through multiple pathways.

Boyle was part of the Wellington, Hurricanes and Otago pathways before inking a deal with the Free Jacks, making 41 appearances to date. In 2025, Boyle emerged fly-half cover and emerged as a central figure in the team’s run to championship glory.

“I am honoured to return to the Free Jacks in 2026 to build on the club’s history in a developing and new-look competition,” Boyle said.

“I can’t wait to run back out in front of the best fans in the league at Fort Quincy.”