Washington-born back rower Ethan Fryer played in Major League Rugby between 2022-2025. He represented the New England Free Jacks for his entire MLR career.

Born in Issaquah, WA, Fryer is a duel US-Canadian citizen thanks to his Ontario born, Newfoundland raised father. He attended Issaquah High School and played rugby with Eastside Lions and NAAS RFC. He also played with the Washington Loggers when they won the 2019 Vancouver Sevens. Fryer represented the Canadian U20 side against Portugal and joined the Pacific Pride, Canada’s high performance development academy, playing between 2020-2021 including at the 2021 Coastal Cup.

Fryer signed with the New England Free Jacks for the 2022 season, earning his debut off the bench late in a game, his only on-field involvement that season. He added 2 more appearances and his first MLR try the following season as the Free Jacks claimed the first of back-to-back shields between 2023-2024. Fryer enjoyed an excellent 2024 season, adding another try and 10 appearances including 4 starts), completing just shy of 50 tackles and carrying for over 225m gained with ball in hand. His performance in 2024 earned him a spot in Rugby Canada’s squad for their July tests, where he earned his international test debut in a 35-22 victory over Romania in Ottawa before returning to the Free Jacks for their 2024 playoff run, where he came off the bench in the Championship Game as New England secured their 2nd of back-to-back MLR Shields.

Following the 2024 season, Fryer was included in Canada’s squad for their 2024 Pacific Nations Cup campaign, earning his debut in a win against Romania in July 2024, where he was named Player of the Match. On November 21st, 2024, the New England Free Jacks announced the return of Ethan Fryer for their 2025 MLR season, alongside Paula Balekana, Conor Keys, and Cole Keith.

achievements

• 2024 MLR Champion: New England Free Jacks
• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 14
• 2023 MLR Champion: New England Free Jacks