The 2025 Major League Rugby season came to a dramatic close as the New England Free Jacks edged the Houston SaberCats 28–22 in a nail-biting final at Pawtucket.
In a game packed with momentum swings, clutch plays, and big hits, the Free Jacks held off a fierce late charge to claim their third consecutive MLR title—cementing their dynasty in American rugby.
Here’s the full recap, result, and scoring breakdown from the championship clash:
FREE JACKS COMPLETE HISTORIC THREE-PEAT WITH NARROW WIN OVER SABERCATS
New England Free Jacks 28 – 22 Houston SaberCats (HT: 13-10)
The Free Jacks and SaberCats delivered a thrilling MLR Final on Saturday in Pawtucket. New England struck first with a Dan Hollinshead penalty in the 7th minute, only for AJ Alatimu to respond three minutes later to level the score at 3-3. The game’s first try came soon after when Paula Balekana finished off a sweeping move from a midfield scrum, brilliantly set up by Brock Webster. Hollinshead’s conversion and a subsequent penalty pushed New England ahead 13-3. Houston hit back through Max Schumacher, who powered over in the 22nd minute, with Alatimu’s conversion narrowing the gap to 13-10. The SaberCats missed a chance to draw level before the break as Alatimu’s penalty attempt drifted wide, sending the Free Jacks into halftime clinging to their slim lead. Early in the second half, Hollinshead slotted another penalty to make it 16-10, but Houston responded decisively. Drake Davis capped off a slick phase of play to score, and Alatimu’s conversion brought it to 20-17, setting up a tense final half-hour. Despite going down to 14 men after a yellow card, New England stretched the lead again when Balekana crossed for his second try off another pinpoint assist from Webster, with Hollinshead’s conversion making it 28-17. Schumacher’s second try in the 78th minute brought the SaberCats back within striking distance at 28-22, but Alatimu’s missed conversion kept the gap at six. New England managed the final moments expertly, closing out a nail-biting contest to secure the win.
NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS
- Tries: Balekana (13’, 69’), Caird (45’)
- Conversions: Hollinshead (14’, 46’,)
- Penalties: Hollinshead (7’, 18’, 58’)
HOUSTON SABERCATS
- Tries: Schumacher (20’, 78’), Davis (51’)
- Conversions: Alatimu (21’, 52’)
- Penalties: Alatimu (10’)
With this hard-fought victory, the Free Jacks complete a historic three-peat, solidifying their place as the MLR’s premier franchise.
Houston pushed them to the wire and can hold their heads high after an exceptional season, but it’s New England who lift the Shield once again—writing another chapter in their growing legacy.
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