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The New England Free Jacks have added more quality to their roster with the signings of winger Deion Mikesell and flanker Zack Stryffeler. Both were first choice players for their respective teams last year, Mikesell arriving from the Houston SaberCats and Stryffeler departing NOLA Gold.
A multi-sport athlete in high school who also excelled in football and wrestling, Mikesell quickly came to the attention of Eagles selectors. He was only 19 when he made his test debut against Uruguay in the 2016 Americas Rugby Championship, adding a second cap in 2017 against Brazil.
Mikesell was an All-American at Lindenwood University before joining French giants Clermont Auvergne on a short-term academy deal. Upon completion he joined the SaberCats and started the last eight games of the season. Just days away from his 23rd birthday, he should be a front-runner for a starting spot in New England’s backline.
Stryffeler gives the Free Jacks something they were missing – an established openside flanker. He made the No7 shirt his own at NOLA this past season after committing fully to a switch from the midfield to the forwards. The 30-year-old played every match for the Gold in 2019, starting 13 of 16 games.
