Massachusetts back row Nolan Buckley played in Major League Rugby between 2023-2024. He represented the Dallas Jackals (2023) and the New England Free Jacks (2024).

A native of North Attleboro, MA, Nolan Buckley studied plastics engineering at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell. Upon his graduation, Buckley declared for the 2022 MLR Collegiate Draft and took part in the Rugby Showcase that year, catching the eye of the Dallas Jackals who drafted him in the 2nd Round, 23rd Overall, and signed him for the 2023 MLR season. He remains the only MLR draftee from UMass Lowell.

Buckley spent his rookie season in Dallas, but did not feature at MLR level during a tough inaugural season for the Jackals. Following the MLR season he returned hope to Massachusetts and played at club level with Mystic River Rugby Club in the ARP before signing as a development player with the New England Free Jacks for their 2024 MLR campaign, but did not feature during their successful title defence that year.

achievements

• 2022 MLR Draftee – 2nd Round (23rd Overall) – Dallas Jackals

NARDB Player #1,627