Canadian born, New Zealand raised lock Josh Larsen played in Major League Rugby between 2019-2024. He represented the Austin Elite (2019) and the New England Free Jacks (2020-2024).

Born in British Columbia but raised in New Zealand with his brother and fellow MLR-er Travis Larsen, Josh began playing rugby at 6 years old, attending Mount Albert Grammar School and graduating from the University of Otago in 2015 with a degree in Commerce. While at University in 2014, he represented the Canada U20 side in the Junior World Trophy, and joined the Northland system in 2016 following his graduation. He represented the Northland Mitre 10 Cup team (now the NPC) in 2017, finishing as runners-up. That same year Larsen earned his debut for the Canada senior team against the Maori All Blacks, and played in the RWC Repechage tournament as Canada fought for a spot at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, which they earned. Larsen returned to New Zealand to play with Otago in the NPC before representing his birth country at the 2019 RWC in Japan. Through 2024 he has 21 caps for Canada.

Along with his brother, Larsen signed with the Austin Elite ahead of the 2019 MLR season. He scored 2 tries in 13 games (all starts) for Austin and completed 179 tackles in his debut MLR season. He then joined the New England Free Jacks expansion side as Free Jack #1, and has been Club Captain of the side for 5 seasons through 2025. Larsen has earned 48 appearances for the Free Jacks (44 starts) and scored 4 tries. He has completed 557 tackles for the club including a high of 231 in 2022 when he finished 5th league-wide. Injury sidelined him for much of 2023 as the Free Jacks advanced to the MLR Championship Final and defeated the San Diego Legion 24-25 in Chicago to earn their first Championship Victory. Injury affected his 2024 season as well but he still managed 14 appearances and 9 starts as New England qualified for the post-season as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the 3rd season in a row. Larsen came off the bench for all 3 of the Free Jacks’ 2024 playoff games including the 2024 Championship Final, a 11-20 victory over the Seattle Seawolves in San Diego to secure back-to-back Shields.

On October 16, 2024, the New England Free Jacks announced the return of Club Captain Josh Larsen for the 2025 MLR season.

achievements

• 2024 MLR Champion: New England Free Jacks
• 2023 MLR Champion: New England Free Jacks
• 5th in MLR Tackling: 2022 (231)