Today, Phil Harris ’08 feels like he’s on top of the rugby world.
When the New England Free Jacks captured the Major League Rugby Championship on July 8 with a nail-biting 25-24 victory over the San Diego Legion, Harris and his friends spilled onto the pitch to celebrate.
He drank from the Eastern Conference Champions Cup, hoisted the MLR Shield, hugged players and was given a championship medal that he wore for seven days.
As director of the popular Jack’s Rangers podcast, Harris had chronicled the Free Jacks Journey since January while conducting interviews with players, managers, and team personnel. To date, he has produced 87 episodes.
Through that journey, the Free Jacks compiled a remarkable 14-2 record. And Harris developed a close bond with the players, coaches, staff and owner. When the Free Jacks lifted the championship cup, Harris was not on the roster. But he was a member of the Free Jacks family.
“Phil has become a crucial voice and connection between players, management, the community, and a key link for new fans to the game to the Free Jacks family,” said Alex Magleby, co-founder, co-owner and CEO of Free Jacks. “His efforts have had a real cascading effect on fan engagement and the passion Free Jacks fans are known for throughout the world now.”
Harris’s remarkable path to the championship – and his two-decade love affair with rugby – began with an Internet search.
It was 2002 when the junior at rural Kings Mountain High School in North Carolina happened upon some online rugby videos. He was fascinated by the game’s grit, contact and camaraderie.
He wanted to play.
At the time, there was no high school rugby nearby. So, he bought a rugby ball off eBay and gathered some chums. Together they taught themselves.
When Harris and his friends showed up at a Charlotte Rugby Football club practice in 2003, the veteran players were confused and amused.
“I mean here we were, just some high school guys who were self-taught and playing intramural. And we wanted to join one of the best men’s clubs in the country,” said Harris.
Charlotte brought Harris and his friends into the fold. After graduating from high school, Harris played two seasons at Catawba College, transferred to USC in 2006, and played one season for the Gamecocks.
While Harris never earned fame as a player, his passion for the game only grew. In April 2021, he found the perfect vehicle to channel his love for the game. Living in New Hampshire, Harris reached out to the Boston-based Free Jacks and pitched the idea of the podcast.
The Jack’s Rangers Show quickly became a fan favorite, offering insights into the team’s training and preparation. Moreover, it gave the Free Jacks players a voice. It put their personality on full display.
“Content and social media is king,” said Harris who serves as Vice Chairman of the Carolina Rugby Foundation and produces The Ruckin’ Rooster Show. “It’s important for sports teams to produce engaging content. It helps fans connect with their program.”
Harris, who works as a government contractor, jokes that he has no children, just a girlfriend (Caitlin McGuire) and a cat. So, he has a lot of free time to devote to growing rugby.
“I have devoted my life to advancing this wonderful game,” he said. “I absolutely love doing The Jack’s Rangers Show and The Ruckin’ Roosters Show because it expands rugby’s footprint and brings more attention to the two programs I hold dear.”
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