Free Jacks acquire Canadian lock Conor Keys from ATL

The New England Free Jacks have acquired Canadian second row Conor Keys from Rugby ATL for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. In exchange the Ratlers receive salary cap considerations in 2023 and 2024, as well as a third round pick in the 2024 Collegiate Draft.

Keys has been a staple in ATL match day squads since their inaugural season in 2020. Across three seasons he appeared in 33 matches, notably starting the 2021 Championship Final against the LA Giltinis. This past season saw the 26-year-old playing a supporting role at the Snake Pit behind South African pair Johan Momsen and Justin Basson.

Part of the 2019 World Cup squad, Keys started both tests for Canada in July to take his total to 28 caps. New England now have three Canadian options at lock including Josh Larsen and Reegan O’Gorman. ATL have already moved to fill the roster spot by selecting USA u23 lock Matt Gelhaus from Kutztown University in first round of the Collegiate Draft.