UCLA men's rugby secures Free Jacks' Josh Larsen as Forwards Coach

UCLA Men's Rugby has appointed Josh Larsen, a prominent figure in North American rugby, as its new Forwards Coach for the 2026 National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Fall season. Larsen joins the Bruins on loan from the New England Free Jacks, where he has been serving as an assistant coach, bringing significant professional and international experience to the collegiate program.

Larsen's move signals a notable collaboration between collegiate and professional rugby organizations, aiming to bolster player and coach development within the sport.

UCLA Rugby
@UCLA_RUGBY

🏉 Welcome to Westwood, Josh Larsen.

Canadian international and MLR champion joins UCLA Rugby as Forwards Coach for 2026.

Thank you @NEFreeJacks for your partnership 💙💛

🔗 Full Report >

#GoBruins #UCLARugby

Aug 6, 2026View on X

Decorated Career Transitions to Coaching

Josh Larsen is widely recognized for his playing career, particularly as a foundational figure and inaugural captain for the New England Free Jacks. He led the club to multiple MLR Championships, establishing the Free Jacks as a dominant force in Major League Rugby.

His leadership and professionalism were central to the club's sustained success. For more information on Major League Rugby coverage, DJC Rugby provides in-depth analysis.

On the international stage, Larsen earned over 30 test caps for Canada after his debut in 2017. He represented his country at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and was a consistent selection throughout various Rugby World Cup qualification campaigns.

Before his senior international career, Larsen also played for Canada at the World Rugby U20 Trophy, showcasing a comprehensive international journey at various levels.

Impact on UCLA Forwards

Larsen's transition into coaching has quickly marked him as a promising young prospect. His previous season with the Free Jacks coaching staff allowed him to further develop expertise in forward play, set-piece strategy, and leadership development within high-performance environments. Readers can find more about Josh Larsen on DJC Rugby.

UCLA Head Coach Harry Bennett expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, stating that Larsen's experience at the highest levels of professional and international rugby, combined with his success captaining championship teams, makes him an invaluable asset. Bennett highlighted Larsen's genuine commitment to developing young athletes, noting that the Bruins' forwards will benefit significantly from his knowledge, standards, and professionalism.

Strategic Organizational Partnership

The arrangement between UCLA and the New England Free Jacks represents a strategic partnership between two premier North American rugby organizations. This collaboration underscores a mutual dedication to cultivating both players and coaches, strengthening the ties between collegiate and professional rugby pathways. DJC Rugby also recently reported on Forwards Coach James Stewart joining Texas A&M.