Free Jacks quartet playing for New Zealand clubs

While the New England Free Jacks are getting ready for their inaugural season in Major League Rugby, four of their players have been spending the past few weeks in New Zealand getting valuable experience in premier club competitions. Loose forward Owen Hundt has just completed a six-week stay with the Dunedin Sharks while also training with Otago’s Mitre 10 Cup squad. The 21-year-old impressed with the Free Jacks during the recent Cara Cup and has confirmed a two-year deal with the expansion franchise.

Also spending time on the South Island were scrumhalf Erik Thompson and props Quentin Newcomer and Kyle Ciquera. All three suited up for Sumner in Christchurch while getting the opportunity to train with the Crusaders academy program. Thompson, 24, captained the side against Utah and started three games for the Free Jacks during their spring exhibition campaign. Newcomer, who recently celebrated his 23rd birthday, and 22-year-old Ciquera each featured prominently during the Cara Cup.

There was a notable MLR connection on the North Island as former All Black flanker Adam Thomson returned to the field with Takapuna after an 18-month absence due to injury. The 37-year-old signed with the Warriors in April and though he did not see the field this past season is committed through 2020. Thomson is reportedly being courted by both North Harbour and Otago for the Mitre 10 Cup season.