Free Jacks rally to make MLR final

RUGBY

New England Free Jacks’ Cameron Noodle Kelemeti, left, is congratulated by teammate Oscar Lennon after defeating the Chicago Hounds 21-20 to win the Eastern Conference Championship June 21, 2025, in Quincy. PAUL CONNORS — BOSTON HERALD

New England Free Jacks’ Brock Webster catches a punt over Chicago Hounds’ Timothy Swiel during the second half. PAUL CONNORS — BOSTON HERALD

Chicago Hounds’ Mason Flesch is tackled by New England Free Jacks’ Wian Conradie, left, and Joseph Johnston during the first half. PAUL CONNORS — BOSTON HERALD

New England Free Jacks’ Paula Balekana advances the ball against Chicago Hounds’ Noah Brown during the second half. PAUL CONNORS — BOSTON HERALD

New England Free Jacks’ Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, touches the ball down for a try during the second half. PAUL CONNORS — BOSTON HERALD

New England Free Jacks’ Malakai Hala hoists the Eastern Conference Championship trophy after defeating the Chicago Hounds 21-20 on Saturday. PAUL CONNORS — BOSTON HERALD

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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 fell behind 17-0 54 minutes into the match. Instead, the Jacks stunned Chicago 21-20 to advance to the title match in Pawtucket, RI, next Saturday.

The comeback began with back-to-back tries by Jed Melvin and Cam Nordli-Kelemeti. Kyle Ciquera scored at the 78 minute mark and Chicago’s Christopher Hilsenbeck knocked a penalty goal off the left upright past 80 minutes that the Free Jacks pushed out to touch to seal the win.

With the win, the Free Jacks earned their third straight to the MLR Final and will play the winner of the match between the Utah Warriors and Houston Sabercats.