Adam Hadary, a young and determined Israeli rugby player, recently completed a unique professional experience in the United States as part of the Free Jacks Academy — the development program of the Major League Rugby (MLR) club based in New England. Adam’s journey began with a personal search for a program that would match his professional goals. After a series of deep conversations with the academy’s leadership — who also coach the club’s defensive system — he found a team ready to listen to his aspirations and help him shape his development. “I was looking for an environment that would challenge me and help me grow as a player and a person,” Adam shares. “I found a team that listened to my goals and built a clear path for my growth.”
Living a True Professional Rugby Routine
During his three months in the academy, Adam experienced, for the first time, what it means to live a professional rugby lifestyle: five days a week of structured training, including on-field rugby sessions, gym work, yoga for recovery, and dedicated recovery days featuring pool sessions, massages, and sauna. “I felt like I was truly living rugby — it was unlike anything I had known in Israel,” he says. On the tactical side, he discovered the unique playing styles that shape each team in the U.S. league. For the Free Jacks, the kicking game was a major part of their strategy, something that broadened his perspective on the game.
Growth On and Off the Field
Beyond the rugby itself, Adam describes a journey of personal growth and independence. “For the first time, I had to take care of myself — cooking, shopping, and managing my own schedule. That’s a big step in growing as a player and as a person,” he reflects. The academy allowed him to begin developing his own playing style and professional approach — an opportunity he feels has been limited in Israel, where the professional rugby culture is still developing.
Looking Ahead: Building a Professional Future in Israel
Adam returns home with valuable insights about the importance of structured, long-term training and consistent professional routines — elements he hopes will take root in Israel as well. “Israeli rugby has huge potential,” he says. “With continued investment in professional development, we can build players and teams at a very high level.” Rugby Israel takes pride in players who seek to grow and lead by example, and sees these personal journeys as an essential part of building a future where young Israelis can pursue a professional rugby career at home.
