Three-time MLR champion leaves New England for South African URC side

Namibian international Le Roux Malan leaves behind a lasting legacy at the New England Free Jacks, with the midfielder winning three Major League Rugby titles in four seasons, but a new chapter awaits in the United Rugby Championship.

Malan helped the Free Jacks become the first MLR side to secure a three-peat of championship crowns, terrorising defenders with power and physicality in New England’s midfield, but the 26-year-old is departing the club for the Durban-based Sharks.

Two-time Rugby World Cup winners Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth headline the Sharks squad for the 2025/26 URC season, with current Springboks Ox Nche and Ethan Hooker bolstering a side that has qualified for Europe’s Champions Cup.

Seattle Seawolves won the first two titles in MLR history, before LA Giltinis and Rugby New York took their places on the champions’ throne after the COVID-19 pandemic. Malan moved to New England for the 2022 season, one year before the team’s dynasty began.

Malan played an instrumental role in the most prolific title-winning dynasty ever in MLR, having made 59 appearances and scored 17 tries over four seasons. Free Jack #57 was a regular in the team’s midfield, starting all but six matches for the club.

“My journey with the Free Jacks stretches far and cuts really deep. Obviously, all the championships were incredible. Doing a three-peat wasn’t something I ever thought would be achievable, but in saying that, it always felt within reach — and, with all humility, somewhat normal,” Malan said in a Q&A on the Free Jacks website.

“The first championship is one of my all-time favourite moments. We were written off by most people, and the only ones who believed in us were this special community. I think that’s such a brilliant example of what this club stands for — we have strength in our unity and will always have each other’s backs.

“Another memory would be walking across the Boston Common on our Amazing Race challenge back at the start of 2022. Being from Africa, I had no clue how the hell people could endure such weather. Fast forward four years, and I’d like to think of myself as part Bostonian. Rain or sunshine, we just get on with it — no matter what. We always compete, and we always fight — with a smile on our faces and some sort of Dunkin’ in our hands.

“All the injuries and the support throughout those really stand out for me too.”

Malan is one of only four players who played in New England’s three winning championship matches, which started with a thriller against San Diego Legion. The Free Jacks secured their first title with a 25-24 win over the Legion in July 2023.

New England became only the second team ever to defend their MLR title – Seattle was the first in 2018 and 2019 –  when they got the better of the Seawolves 20-11 in 2024. Malan scored the Free Jacks’ sole try in that decider, as they held on for a win in San Diego.

Their most recent championship decider was played in front of more than 5,500 supporters, when they beat Houston SaberCats 28-22. Brock Webster received Player of the Final honours after the six-point thriller in Rhode Island.

“I experienced exponential growth throughout those years, especially in 2025. The Free Jacks do such an incredible job of recruiting exceptional individuals — as humans first, and then as rugby professionals,” Malan explained.

“I’ve met lifelong friends in Boston and some of the most incredible people I’ve ever known.

I feel so lucky to have been part of all these special moments for the club and to have helped build the history that this team and its supporters so thoroughly deserve. I take with me a heart full of growth, love, life and rugby knowledge, and immense gratitude into this next chapter.”