Josh Larsen (rugby union)

Last updated

Josh Larsen
Birth nameJoshua Larsen
Date of birth (1994-04-04) 4 April 1994 (age 31)
Place of birth Nanaimo, British Columbia
Height1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)
Weight113 kg (249 lb)
University Otago University
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Current team New England Free Jacks
Amateur team(s)
YearsTeamApps(Points)
Taieri RFC ()
Senior career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2019 Austin Elite 13 (10)
2020- New England Free Jacks 65 (20)
Correct as of 1 March 2020
Provincial / State sides
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2016-18 Northland 12 (5)
2018 Otago 5 (0)
International career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2014 Canada U20 4 (0)
2017- Canada 15 (5)
Correct as of 19 June 2019

Joshua Larsen (born 4 April 1994) is a Canadian rugby union player who plays for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby (MLR). His usual position is lock. He also represents Canada internationally.

Contents

Playing career

While studying at Otago University getting a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce. Larsen played at the amateur level for Taieri RFC. Then joining the Northland academy and eventually playing professionally for Northland from 2016-2018. He also played for Austin Elite in MLR and Otago in New Zealand's the Mitre 10 Cup. [1]

He would then sign with the New England free jacks in 2020. Being a cornerstone of the team since its inception. Severing as the team's captain since his first year. During the shorted 2020 season he would appear in 5 matches scoring 2 tries. After playing 2 seasons with the club in 2021 and 2022. He would get injured after only playing 3 games during the 2023 season. However he would make a full come back the following year. [2] Helping lead the free jacks to back to back MLR championships in 2024 and 2025. He would get his 50th cap with the club on July 27th 2024. [3]

International career

Larsen previously play for Canadas U20 squad. Then getting to make his debut for the national team in November of 2017 vs Georgia.

During the 2019 World Cup Larsen would make headlines after getting red carded in a match vs South Africa for driving his shoulder into Thomas du Toit. Larsen would then show his sportsmanship after the match. When he went into the Springboks locker room after the game and apologized. [4]

Personal life

Larsen was born in Nanaimo to a New Zealand-born father and Canadian mother. He is the brother of Travis Larsen who also plays rugby. [5]

Since moving to the United State Larsen has become a fan of American sports such as football. He has also described himself as a coffee connoisseur. [6]

Larsen threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Boston Red Sox game on August 31st 2025. [7]

Club statistics

As of 1 March 2020
SeasonTeamLeagueGamesStartsSubTriesConsPensDropsPointsYelRed
2019 Austin Elite MLR 1313020001000
2020 New England Free Jacks MLR44020001010
Total1717040002010

Honours

New England Free Jacks

Otago

References

  1. "Larsen Gets Northland Call". Americas Rugby News. 13 August 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  2. "Josh LARSEN profile and stats". all.rugby. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  3. CLUB CAPTAIN HITS 50 FREE JACKS CAPS: FREE JACKS NUMBER 1 JOSH LARSEN IS SET TO HIT HIS 50TH CAPS IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL https://freejacks.com/news/club-captain-hits-50-free-jacks-caps-free-jacks-number-1-josh-larsen-is-set-to-hit-his-50th-caps-in-the-eastern-conference-final/
  4. Ramsay, George (9 October 2019). "Josh Larsen got red carded – then went into the Springboks locker room and apologized after the game". CNN. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  5. "Five Pros who could play for Canada". 29 August 2016.
  6. Free jacks in 5 https://youtube.com/pVgxPEFDpxM?si=1l4KL9GY0Oyqnq-r
  7. "New England Free Jacks instagram Good try @joshlarsen4 Thanks for having us @redsox and good luck in the home stretch!".