Free Jacks Announce New Head Coach for 2025 Season
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The New England Free Jacks are excited to announce the return of Ryan Martin as the team’s Head Coach for the upcoming 2025 Major League Rugby (MLR) season. Martin, who previously held the position during the 2021 MLR season, brings with him a wealth of top level coaching experience, deep connection to the New England rugby community and understanding of how the club operates.
A Proven Track Record
Ryan Martin first joined the Free Jacks as Head Coach ahead of the 2021 MLR season. Known for his innovative attacking and tactical kicking systems, and expertise in skill acquisition, Martin quickly established himself as a key figure in the Free Jacks organization and one of MLR’s leading coaches. Under the care of Martin, the team became known for their hard working and deeply connected on-field product, traits that would become critical in setting up the success of the Free Jacks over coming years.
Before his initial tenure with the Free Jacks, Martin had an impressive coaching resume that included roles with Otago in the Mitre 10 Cup, where he played a crucial part in securing the prestigious Ranfurly Shield in 2018, and a successful stint with the Asia Pacific Dragons in Global Rapid Rugby.
Like his predecessor, Scott Mathie, Martin’s rugby career started as a teacher and grass roots rugby coach where he taught across elementary and high school grades for a period of 17 years before getting an opportunity in the professional coaching world. Martin spent several years coaching at his alma mater of Otago Boys’ High School in New Zealand, where he built a reputation as a skilled educator and a developer of young talent, leading the team to national finals and a period of 64 unbeaten games. Martin’s body of work in the secondary school field was recognized nationally in 2016, when he was appointed the Head Coach of the New Zealand Barbarians Schools side, where he led them to an undefeated record against Australia and Fiji.
A Global Journey: From New England to Japan
As the 2021 MLR season came to an end, Martin was presented with an opportunity at the Melbourne Rebels within Super Rugby, taking the position of Attack and Backs Coach, where he further refined his attacking philosophy with the Australian Super Rugby franchise, taking notes from the Melbourne Storm rugby league side whom they shared facilities with.
Martin’s influence at the Rebels was widely recognized, with players and colleagues alike praising his innovative approach and his ability to create an exciting, fast-paced style of play.
In 2022 ahead of the 2023 season, Martin took on a new challenge, joining Toyota Verblitz in Japan’s Top League as their Assistant Coach for Attack and Backs under world cup winning coach and director of rugby, Steve Hansen. In a team equipped with some of the best rugby players in the world, including Beauden Barrett, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Aaron Smith and Kazuki Himeno, Martin had the opportunity to work with world class rugby minds to continue to learn and evolve his practices. His time in Japan also allowed him to immerse himself in a different rugby culture, further expanding his coaching toolkit and strategic thinking.
The Road Ahead: Building on Past Success
Martin’s return to the Free Jacks comes at a crucial time for the club as the club looks to build on recent successes, and continue to grow the sport of rugby in New England as well as the team’s niche in the community. With his top level experience and genuine understanding of the organization’s people and way of life, Martin is well-positioned to lead the Free Jacks into a new era.
“It’s a special story,” said General Manager Tom Kindley on the appointment. “Back in 2021, Ryan [Martin] handed over the reins to Scott [Mathie] after a great first full season in the MLR … fast forward 3 seasons and Scott is handing the reins back to Ryan. They are both great coaches, and hard workers who take the responsibility of setting the club up for success very seriously. That’s why it’s so special that Ryan is coming back to build on the compounding work that has been put in.”
Reflecting on his return, Martin expressed his excitement about rejoining the Free Jacks and reconnecting with the passionate rugby community in New England. “I’m thrilled to return as the Head Coach of the New England Free Jacks,” said Martin. “It is an honor to continue the incredible work done by Scott Mathie. Our goal is to elevate the performance standards even higher and continue to strengthen our connection with the local community through inspiring performances on the field … This journey is about pushing boundaries, and I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together.”
“Ryan knows our playing group, club and game model back to front, having been in to observe the environment this season and stayed closely in touch while he has been coaching in some of the world’s best competitions including Super rugby and the Top League,” said General Manager Kindley. The hire gives us great continuity, and instead of having to onboard and reassess, we will continue to grow and evolve off the work that has been executed to date. There has already been a seamless transition and we are ready to embark on the next chapter.”
As the Free Jacks prepare for the 2025 MLR season, fans can look forward to seeing Martin’s signature attacking style and innovative coaching methods once again at the forefront of the team’s strategy. With Martin at the helm, the team is positioned to push the boundaries, and continue to inspire the community through rousing performances on the field, and selfless efforts off of it.
Recent Coaching History:
New England Free Jacks – Head Coach, 2025
Toyota Verblitz – Assistant Coach, Attack & Backs, 2022-2024
Melbourne Rebels – Assistant Coach, Attack & Backs, 2021-2022
New England Free Jacks – Head Coach, 2020-2021
Otago NPC – Assistant Coach, Attack & Backs, 2018-2020
