PRESS RELEASE
BOSTON, MA – The New England Free Jacks will welcome Dougie Fife to the playing roster for the 2021 and 2022 Major League Rugby seasons. A dual Scottish international, 
Fife will join the Free Jacks having represented his country in two Six Nations Championships, the HSBC World Sevens Circuit, and Edinburgh Rugby in the Pro14 where he has amassed 125 caps since 2011.
“I’m delighted to be joining the Free Jacks and Major League Rugby. It’s a really exciting team and league to be coming in to,” commented Fife. “I can’t wait to get over to Boston and meet all the lads, the fans and community, and most of all start building towards a big season in MLR. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished these past nine years with Edinburgh and Scotland, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure being a part of the growth of the game of rugby in the US.”
At 6’2”, 210lbs, Fife is a versatile and explosive back three player. A veteran of both the game of 7s and 15s, Fife will bring agility, power and speed to New England. Fans can expect to see Fife use his considerable frame to great effect in the aerial battle under the high ball.
Fife earned his first international cap for Scotland in 2014 in the Six Nations Championship against Wales. As a member of the 2014 and 2015 Six Nations Campaigns and Scotland’s 2018 Summer Tour of the Americas, Fife has earned 8 caps for his country to date in the 15-a-side game.
In 2016, Fife transitioned to Scotland’s 7s team, playing in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Fife led Scotland to two consecutive London 7s Cup’s, bringing home the cup in both 2016 and 2017. In 2016, Fife was named the London 7s Player of the Final, scoring twice in the semi-final against the United States and twice more – including the match-winner in extra time – in the Final against South Africa. He has since gone on to represent his country 81 times in the Sevens Series, clocking up 135 points in his 4-year tenure on the team.
Fife joins the Free Jacks as a leader from Edinburgh Rugby in the Pro14. Fife first established himself in the Edinburgh starting lineup during the 2013-14 Pro14 Season, scoring 5 tries in a 7-game spell. With 125 caps, 9 years of experience, and 135 points amassed, Fife brings a wealth of quality rugby experience from the highest level of European Rugby.
“The excitement machine Dougie Fife comes to the Free Jacks with a proven track record of playing at the highest level of the game having represented Scotland in both 7s and 15s,” said Ryan Martin, Free Jacks’ new Head Coach. “Dougie is an explosive player with the ability to score from anywhere on the field. Keep your eye on this big, powerful Scotsman when the Free Jacks take the field next year.”
Concurrently with his professional Rugby performance, Fife has an impressive off-field academic record. Fife has earned a Higher National Diploma in sports coaching with development in sport at Telford College, Edinburgh, and went on to study at Edinburgh Napier University where he graduated with a degree in Sports Coaching.
The Free Jacks are excited to welcome Fife who will bring a wealth of talent and experience to the Free Jacks’ Squad. Join Dougie and the Free Jacks for a virtual meet and greet, “News and Brews” on Thursday, August 13th. Grab a Free Jacks IPA and join the virtual gathering and get to know the newest Free Jack. RSVP using the link here: https://www.freejacks.com/news-and-brews/.
Opinion: This is a great pick-up for New England. As a 15s and 7s player on the highest levels, Fife brings an exciting skill-set to FJ’s backline. He could indeed be the Eastern Conference’s Mathew Drew Turner; explosive, deceptive and experienced, with a calming effect when under the gun. For this writer, who happens to be a big MDT fan, that is lofty praise. Does Fife has the kicking acumen of Mat Turner? No. But at 6’1″ 200lbs (my estimate vs above in Press Release), he brings speed and moves in a bigger package. Either way, he’ll be another exciting player to watch once the madness leaves us.
Alex Magleby and David Barry, owner of the exceptional touring 7s side, the Ramblin Jesters, answer questions about their partnership and potential impact on the #MLR, Team USA and Rugby Canada…
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