US EditionDefending Champion New England Rallies to Beat Chicago Hounds, Reach MLR Final
- The New England Free Jacks defeated the Chicago Hounds 21-20 on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy to reach the Major League Rugby final.
- The Free Jacks overcame a 17-0 deficit in the second half, with Chicago leading for much of the match and the two teams having split their regular season games.
- Key moments included tries by Jed Melvin, Cam Nordli-Kelemeti, and winning try by Kyle Ciquera in the 77th minute, while Chicago’s Chris Hilsenbeck missed a critical last-second penalty kick.
- The ESPN2 broadcast froze at the decisive kick, causing viewers to miss the conclusion, prompting Major League Rugby to apologize for technical issues and praise both teams’ effort.
- The Free Jacks will play the winner of the Utah Warriors versus Houston Sabercats match on June 28, aiming for a third consecutive Major League Rugby championship.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Winnipeg Sun
Defending champion New England rallies to beat Chicago Hounds, reach MLR final
QUINCY -- Chris Hilsenbeck missed a chance to win it for the Chicago Hounds, failing to convert a penalty kick with the clock in the red, and the defending New England Free Jacks rallied for a 21-20 comeback win Saturday to move within one victory of a Major League Rugby championship three-peat.
Free Jacks rally to make MLR final
QUINCY – Champions don’t let go without a fight. The two-time defending Major League Rugby champion New England Free Jacks hosted the Chicago Hounds Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium needing a win to advance to the final. And it looked like a chance to earn MLR’s first three-peat was a lost cause as the Jacks […]
New England Free Jacks Seek Three-Peat In Major League Rugby June 28 - The Quincy Sun
The New England Free Jacks came back from a 17-0 deficit at Veterans’ Memorial Stadium in Quincy June 21st to stun the Chicago Hounds, 21-20. With the win, the Free Jacks advanced to the Major League Rugby Championship match in Pawtucket, RI Saturday, June 28. Kyle Ciquera scored at the 78 minute mark and Chicago’s ... Read more The post New England Free Jacks Seek Three-Peat In Major League Rugby June 28 appeared first on The Quincy Sun.
'What SaberCats Rugby Stands For,' Win Boosts Squad To MLR Championship Final Against Free Jacks - Houston SaberCats Rugby
By Aaron Wilson History in the making. An unprecedented milestone. A convincing victory built on defense and athleticism. Strong leadership at every level. Houston SaberCats 33, Utah Warriors 19. The SaberCats propelled themselves into the Major League Rugby championship finals against the New England Free Jacks next Saturday in Rhode Island at Centreville Bank Stadium. While the job isn’t finished, the Shield is…
Major League Rugby playoff broadcast cuts out right before deciding kick
Technical problems caused viewers of Major League Rugby’s Eastern Conference Final between the New England Free Jacks and Chicago Hounds, which aired on ESPN2, to miss the final moments of the match. With New England leading 21-20 in the final seconds of the match, Chicago’s Chris Hilsenbeck lined up a kick that would decide the match. “You live for these moments when you’re a kicker,” analyst Mike Petri said. “This is what you live for. Chris H…
MLR 2025: Eastern Conference Final - New England Free Jacks vs Chicago Hounds - ARN Guide - Americas Rugby News
Major League Rugby’s finalists for the 2025 season will be determined on Saturday, with the Eastern Conference entry to be settled at Fort Quincy. Chicago’s path to Rhode Island is blocked only by the two-time defending champions New England, who are contesting their fourth Conference Final in as many years. The two sides split their regular season meetings with the Hounds coming up short in the most recent contest played on Free Jacks territory…
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