Josh Larsen (rugby union)

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.

Josh Larsen

Birth name	Joshua Larsen
Date of birth	(1994-04-04) 4 April 1994 (age 31)
Place of birth	Nanaimo, British Columbia
Height	1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)
Weight	113 kg (249 lb)
University	Otago University
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock Current team New England Free Jacks Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) Taieri RFC () Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2019 Austin Elite 13 (10) 2020- New England Free Jacks 65 (20) Correct as of 1 March 2020 Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 2016-18 Northland 12 (5) 2018 Otago 5 (0) International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2014 Canada U20 4 (0) 2017- Canada 15 (5) Correct as of 19 June 2019

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]

Club statistics

As of 1 March 2020

Season	Team	League	Games	Starts	Sub	Tries	Cons	Pens	Drops	Points	Yel	Red
2019	Austin Elite	MLR	13	13	0	2	0	0	0	10	0	0
2020	New England Free Jacks	MLR	4	4	0	2	0	0	0	10	1	0
Total			17	17	0	4	0	0	0	20	1	0

Honours

New England Free Jacks

• Major League Rugby Championship: 3x (2023, 2024, 2025)

Otago

• Ranfurly Shield: 2018