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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Super-physical': Houston's Seth Smith points to US rugby future
It's less than two years since Seth Smith became the youngest player ever in Major League Rugby and he only turned 20 this week. The hooker's birthday fell on Tuesday, during the Houston SaberCats' preparation for their first MLR Championship Game, against the New England Free Jacks in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday. The Free Jacks are seeking a third title in a row but in the SaberCats camp, 'Everybody's very positive,' Smith said, contemplating the challenge for a team that had previously played three postseason games and lost them all. 'We've had ups and downs but … these play-off games are the ones that matter. We beat a very strong LA side that fought very hard. And Utah, they're very physical, and we took care of business there as well.' In that western final, Smith scored a vital try. Of New England, MLR's dominant team in recent years, he says with relish: 'Now we're on to the big Goliath.' Smith could yet play David. But though he's young he already has a warlike nickname, Viking, thanks to his long blond hair and prodigious strength. He was introduced to rugby at 11 when his dad found the game on the internet, fell for it, and found a club, Katy Barbarians, who taught his boy to play. In Texas, high-school football is a religion. Smith excelled at fullback for Fulshear and wrestled too but rugby bit hardest. He played with the West Houston Lions and at school and was eyeing a place at Life University in Georgia, a college power, when the SaberCats signed him. Global rugby watchers might be advised to take note. Smith is the right age for college, the traditional time Americans find rugby, but he's been playing nine years already. More American boys and girls can say the same. Smith's style of hard-hitting athleticism may be about to become a more familiar sight around the oval world. Asked how traditional school sports helped his rugby education, Smith said: 'Everybody thinks football is like a direct translation to rugby but there's so many different tweaks.' As a fullback he 'played offense, and I carried every once in a while, but I was more of a blocker. In rugby there's no player who only does attack: everybody has to be able to do attack and defense and be versatile enough to switch quickly. And that's kind of where wrestling came in. Because in wrestling, you're doing both: attacking and defending. 'One of the things I've realized with rugby is, you learn people's bodies, right? You get to understand how people go down. I like tackling. I'm 5ft 9in. I have a low center of gravity. If I ever tried a high tackle, I would have to jump. And so that's what rugby is: you have a double-leg take-down, you have a single-leg take-down. And that's what wrestling is too. And also, you know how to get out of situations. Football is just, like, contact.' Wrestling helps with scrummaging too: 'It definitely helps with the legs, with your lower body. As a hooker, you have to understand how to use your head in scrums, whenever you're binding. And if there's one thing that I did very well in wrestling, I was very good with the leverage, using the head and shoulders – which goes straight into being a hooker.' Smith was a flanker first but soon moved from the back of the scrum to the front. It helped that at high school, he came to see the weights room as his 'safe place'. 'My dad's a bodybuilder. I was going into my freshman year of high school, that summer me and him started lifting. It's a place where you can just zone into something and give it everything you have for as long as you want, and have nothing else to worry about. It's like getting in between the four lines [of a rugby field]. You have nothing else to worry about except doing your job. And so it's just a place that I was able to find safety and security.' Rugby as unsafe safe space: players know the feeling. Come Saturday in Rhode Island, Smith, the SaberCats, the Free Jacks and as many as 10,500 fans – MLR commissioner Nic Benson said the league thinks it will get 'close' to a sell-out – will create such a space once again. Smith has made Under-19 and U20 US national squads but not yet U23, saying: 'I didn't get invited this year, so that's a good thing for the chip on the shoulder.' At Houston, he has had international talent to learn from, from the great USA flanker Danny Barrett to current SaberCats including the Samoa hooker Pita Anae Ah-Sue. Houston also has a heavy South African influence, through plenty of players and head coach Pote Human, successor to Heyneke Meyer, once coach of the Springboks. 'You watch any South African game, they're going to do three things,' Smith said. 'They're going to out-line-out you, they're going to out-scrum you, and they're going to out-physical you. Those are the things that they do best, and that's why they are so successful. 'I've always been a super-physical player, from playing seven, making the tackles a seven makes, to hooker, it's everything I grew up doing and it's exactly the way that they want players to play. Fitting in at Houston with all the South Africans? I don't think it would be the same anywhere else for me.' Those who wish MLR would field more Americans might wish Smith a regular starter elsewhere, though Anthem RC, the North Carolina team formed to field such homegrown talent, has logged two winless seasons. Asked about Anthem, Benson said: 'If you look at the goals for what we set out to do with Anthem, it was to get young American players more game time and exposure at a higher level. In that respect, it's been a win … I think it's serving its purpose.' Detailing Smith's progress in a Houston squad heavy with imports, Benson said: 'I think you always have to strike a balance. You want to have the foreign players, but to have a learning experience for the Americans, especially where you have really seasoned professionals who lead by example. 'Like you have the seasoned veteran who shows the younger players what it means to be a professional in terms of eating habits, training, discipline, all of those things. That's a critical component. You see it in Chicago, you see it in San Diego, you see it in Houston. That's a critical piece.' Either way, it says something that at just 20, Smith is set to feature in the Championship game. Look ahead 10 years: in 2035, at the men's World Cup after the men's World Cup to be held on US soil, Smith will be only 30, a hooker's prime. If the US can find more such talent, dreams of quarter-finals and more may edge closer to fruition. Smith is raring to go. 'I played my first international game at 15, and I've traveled all over the world. I've played in Scotland, I've played in the Netherlands, I've played in Canada, I've played in Dubai, I've played in Ireland. I've played all over. So going overseas is a big aspiration … and obviously trying to get up with the main Eagles, the big boys, at the men's level. Let's see how far I can take this.' Martin Pengelly writes on Substack at The National Maul, on rugby in the US
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canada contingent helps New England to its third straight Major League Rugby title
PAWTUCKET — Fijian winger Paula Balekana scored two tries and Dan Hollinshead kicked 13 points Saturday as the New England Free Jacks won their third straight Major League Rugby championship with a 28-22 win over the Houston SaberCats. Canadians Andrew Quattrin, Piers von Dadelszen, Cam Nordli-Kelemeti, Ben LeSage and Brock Webster started for the Free Jacks. Advertisement Webster, who played a key role in two of the New England tries, was named player of the match. The elusive back from Uxbridge, Ont., has represented Canada in both 15s and sevens play. Fellow Canadians Foster DeWitt, Josh Larsen and Ethan Fryer were among the New England replacements. The Free Jacks, who have 16 Canadians in all on their roster, defeated the Seattle Seawolves 20-11 in last year's championship game and edged the San Diego Legion 25-24 for the title in 2023. "It comes off an organization that just been built right," Webster said of the Free Jacks. "You've seen that over the last few seasons. "I think we just stick to our game plan out there when the pressure's on us like in that the last 20 (minutes), we just stick to our game. We just back one another." Advertisement Sam Caird also scored a try for New England, which led 13-10 at the half. Hollinshead kicked three penalties and two conversions. The Free Jacks survived 10 minutes a man down with von Dadelszen sent to the sin-bin in the 61st minute. Max Schumacher scored two tries and Drake Davis added a single for Houston. A.J. Alatimu booted two conversions and a penalty. Schumacher's second try came in the dying minutes with Alatimu missing the conversion from the sideline. The game was held at Centreville Bank Stadium, a 10-500-seat venue that is the home of the USL's Rhode Island FC. Just 60 kilometres southwest of Quincy, Mass., the home of the Free Jacks, it was essentially a home game for New England. Advertisement New England (11-5-0, 55 points) topped the Eastern Conference while Houston (10-6-0, 54 points) was runner-up to Utah in the West. After opening the season at 2-3-0, New England has gone 12-2-0. The Free Jacks downed the Miami Sharks 32-10 in their Eastern semifinal and rallied to edge the Chicago Hounds 21-10 in the Eastern final. Houston downed RFC LA 27-21 and Utah 33-19 in the playoffs. --- This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 28, 2025. The Canadian Press
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
It's a Dynasty! The New England Free Jacks' quest to three-peat is complete, beat SaberCats 28-22
Massachusetts professional rugby team, the New England Free Jacks, has completed the dynasty! They Beat the Houston SaberCats 28-22. SCORING SUMMARY In the seventh minute, Dan Hollinshead completed a penalty goal to kick off the scoring. Advertisement Shortly after, the SaberCats followed up with their own penalty goal, led by AJ Alatimu. The Free Jacks then scored twice in a row, with Paula Balekana completing a try, followed by a conversion from Hollinshead in the thirteenth minute. Then, in the eighteenth minute, Dan Hollinshead completed another penalty goal. The SaberCats answered back, though, with Max Schumacher scoring, followed by Alatimu's conversion. The Free Jacks led going into halftime 13-10. Then, in the forty-sixth minute, Sam Caird completed a try, followed by another Hollinshead conversion. Houston answered back in the fifty-first minute with a Drake Davis try and another Alatimu conversion. Advertisement In the fifty-eighth minute, Hollinshead completed a penalty goal. In the sixty-ninth minute, Paula Balekana ties the MLR record with his 15th try. In the seventy-seventh minute, Max Schumacher dives in for a try, making the score 28-22. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Newsweek
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch New England Free Jacks vs. Houston SaberCats: Live Stream Major League Rugby, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Major League Rugby season wraps up on Saturday with a championship game matchup between the Free Jacks and Houston SaberCats. Harrison Boyle #10 of the New England Free Jacks reaches for the ball against Christian Poidevin #7 of the LA Giltinis during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los... Harrison Boyle #10 of the New England Free Jacks reaches for the ball against Christian Poidevin #7 of the LA Giltinis during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. More Photo byfor LA Giltinis The Free Jacks in this matchup are hoping to become the first team in Major League Rugby history to threepeat, no small feat. Standing in their way on Saturday is a strong SaberCats team, in a game that will take place at 2:00 p.m. ET in Centreville Bank Stadium in Providence, Rhode Island. The Free Jacks defeated the Chicago Hounds 21-20 in the playoff semifinal to advance to the championship and get a shot at a threepeat. How to Watch Free Jacks vs. Houston SaberCats Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Time: 2:00 p.m. ET Venue: Centreville Bank Stadium Channel: ESPN2 Stream: Fubo (try for free) On the other hand, the SaberCats defeated the Utah Warriors 33-19 in the other bracket's semifinal matchup to set up this thrilling showdown between Houston and the Free Jacks. The Free Jacks needed a big comeback in their semifinal to reach the championship game, completing a 17-point comeback in the second half to earn their place in Saturday's matchup, while the SaberCats won their matchup more comfortably. Will the extra energy and effort needed for the Free Jacks to reach the championship round matchup come back to affect them in Saturday's game? Or will they make history, defeat the SaberCats, and earn their threepeat? This is potential history on the line in Saturday's Major League Rugby championship game on Saturday. Tune in to ESPN2 at 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon to watch the Major League Rugby championship game between the Free Jacks and Houston SaberCats. Live stream the Free Jacks vs. Houston SaberCats championship game for free on Fubo: Start your subscription now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Winnipeg Free Press
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada rugby coach Stephen Meehan names 42-man camp roster ahead of July tests
Canada rugby coach Stephen Meehan has called 42 players into camp in Edmonton ahead of July test matches against Belgium and Spain. Meehan, an Australian, was named coach in December, succeeding Kingsley Jones, who stepped down after seven years on the job. Meehan, who officially started in April, makes his coaching debut with the 24th-ranked Canadian men against No. 22 Belgium on July 12 and No. 17 Spain on July 18, with both games at Edmonton's Clarke Stadium. The final roster of 32 will be announced in early July 'Players and staff alike are really eager to get on the pitch and get the season started, and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in with this squad in Edmonton,' Meehan said in a statement. 'This time together will be extremely valuable as we make our final selections for the July tests and build a strong foundation as we strive towards Rugby World Cup qualification later this year. 'We have invited a mix of experienced players and new talent and are looking forward to seeing what they each bring to camp.' After the July tests, the Canadians begin Pacific Nations Cup play Aug. 22 in Calgary against the 15th-ranked U.S. before facing No. 13 Japan on Aug. 30 in Sendai. The Pacific Nations Cup playoffs start Sept. 14 in Denver, with the finals set for Sept. 20 in Salt Lake City. The six-team tournament, which also includes No. 9 Fiji, No. 14 Samoa and No. 19 Tonga, represents Canada's first opportunity to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. The Canadian men missed out on the 2023 tournament for the first time. Meehan had previously named a 59-man long list, featuring 20 players who were uncapped in 15s. The new list features 14 uncapped players, including Jamie Armstrong, Morgan Di Nardo, Kyle Tremblay and Ethan Turner, who are capped in sevens play but not 15s. The Canadian players are scheduled to arrive in Edmonton on Friday with camp starting Saturday. The exceptions are seven members of the New England Free Jacks, who look to win a third-straight Major League Rugby title on Saturday when they take on the Houston SaberCats at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I. The Free Jack players will then join the Canada camp. New England rallied to edge the Chicago Hounds 21-20 in the MLR Eastern Conference final on Saturday. Chicago's Lucas Rumball, Matt Owuru, Jason Higgins and brothers Mason and Noah Flesch all made the Canada camp roster. The Canada squad also includes Evan Olmstead, a 34-year-old forward who last played for Canada at the 2019 World Cup. The six-foot-five 247-pounder is currently playing for SU Agen in France's second tier. Olmstead was born in Canada but moved to Australia when he was three. There is also a place for Edmonton forward Kaden Duguid, the older brother of former Canadian international Tyler Duguid, who has switched international allegiance to France where he plays his club rugby. Tyler Duguid started for France 'A' in a 26-24 win over England 'A' on Saturday at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium. Uncles John and Luke Tait both represented Canada and played professionally in Europe. John Tait, formerly the Canadian women's sevens coach, is B.C. Rugby's technical director. Meehan will be assisted by defence coach Phil Mack and restart and breakdown coach Anthony Mathison. Canada Training Camp Roster (x denotes uncapped player, y- denotes capped in sevens but not 15s) Forwards Andrew Quattrin, Holland Landing, Ont., New England Free Jacks (MLR); x-Austin Creighton, Edmonton, James Bay AA; x-Caleb Ashworth, Crowborough, Harlequins FC (England); Calixto Martinez, White Rock, B.C., Old Glory DC (MLR); Callum Botchar, Vancouver, NOLA Gold (MLR); Cole Keith, Sussex N.B., New England Free Jacks (MLR); Dewald Kotze, Edmonton, Seattle Seawolves (MLR); Donald Carson, Tsawwassen, B.C., Britannia Lions; x-Emerson Prior, Brockville, Ont., Utah Warriors (MLR); Evan Olmstead, Vancouver, SU Agen (France); Foster Dewitt, Courtenay, B.C., New England Free Jacks (MLR); x-Griffin Phillipson, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, City of Armagh RFC (Northern Ireland); Izzak Kelly, White Rock, B.C., Capilano RFC; James Stockwood, Bowmanville, Ont., Oshawa Vikings; x-Jeffrey Young, Toronto, Toronto Nomads; Kaden Duguid, Edmonton, NOLA Gold (MLR); x-Karl Hunger, Beaconsfield, Que., Pacific Pride; Kyle Steeves, Winnipeg, New England Free Jacks (MLR); Lucas Rumball, Toronto, Chicago Hounds (MLR); Mason Flesch, Cobourg, Ont., Chicago Hounds (MLR); Matt Heaton, Godmanchester, Que., RFC LA (MLR); Matthew Oworu, Calgary, Chicago Hounds (MLR); Piers Von Dadelszen, Vancouver, New England Free Jacks (MLR); Siôn Parry, Cardiff, Wales, Ebbw Vale RFC (Wales); Tyler Matchem, Pictou County, N.S., NOLA Gold (MLR). Backs Ben LeSage, Calgary, New England Free Jacks (MLR); Brock Gallagher, Edmonton, Seattle Seawolves (MLR); Cooper Coats, Halifax, NOLA Gold (MLR); y-Ethan Turner, Maple Ridge, B.C., Kalinga Black Tigers (India); Isaac Olson, Vernon, B.C., New England Free Jacks (MLR); x-Jamie Armstrong, Ottawa, University of Ottawa; Jason Higgins, Cork, Ireland, Chicago Hounds (MLR); x-Josh McIndoe, Victoria, Greerton Marist Rugby Club (New Zealand); y-Kyle Tremblay, White Rock, B.C., Pacific Pride; x-Luke Toroca, Nadi, Fiji, Langley Rugby Club; x-Maddox MacLean, Brisbane, Australia, Souths Rugby Club Brisbane (Australia); y-Morgan Di Nardo, Toronto, University of Victoria; Nic Benn, Caves Beach, Australia, Utah Warriors (MLR); Noah Flesch, Cobourg, Ont., Chicago Hounds (MLR); Peter Nelson, Dungannon, Northern Ireland, Dungannon RFC (Northern Ireland) x-Stephen Webb, Toronto, UBC; Talon McMullin, White Rock, B.C., UBC. Head Coach: Stephen Meehan. Assistant Coaches: Phil Mack, Anthony Mathison. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025
