The SaberCats have also committed to providing at least 200 hours of free children’s rugby training annually, hosting high school rugby matches and running free rugby camps for children ages 6 through 14, among other types of community engagement.

“The SaberCats currently are playing exhibition games this winter at Sugar Land’s Constellation Field through March 3 and are scheduled to begin their inaugural season in April. The team still is looking for a temporary venue for this season and will announce that shortly.

Chicago Lions New Rugby Facility

The Chicago Lions will play at The Lions For Hope Sports Complex in 2019. The complex is an integral part of the redevelopment of Chicago’s North Lawndale, East Garfield Park neighborhoods. The location is 2600 West Polk Street, Chicago, IL 60612.

The Chicago Lions Charitable Association (CLCA), in partnership with Chicago Hope Academy (Hope), acquired 8 acres of undeveloped land on the near west side of Chicago on April 24, 2015. The complex will enable the CLCA and Hope to provide a safe environment for inner-city kids to participate in athletics in addition to developing and promoting youth rugby in the city of Chicago.

The Complex will be built in phases and it is expected to include

• Two (2) fields to accommodate rugby, soccer, lacrosse, and football
• Both fields will be lighted and, based on funding, artificial turf
• Bleachers for the main field with capacity for 2,000-3,000
• Parking lot
• Fieldhouse:
  • Main room that can host events with kitchen capabilities
  • Deck or viewing area
  • Locker rooms with showers
  • Multi-purpose rooms
  • Concession stand
  • Weight room/athletic training room

Houston SaberCats vs. Chicago Lions

Justin Fitzpatrick has made six changes in the starters and one positional change from last week’s win over the Capital Rugby Union Selects. Additional changes were made in the reserves, to keep players fresh, as well as look at who to call upon during the season.

Forwards starting changes include front row changes with Adam Macklin at loosehead prop and Lindsey Stevens at hooker. Paul Mullen retains his position at tighthead prop. Both flankers were reserves last week as Chris Parker and captain Kyle Sumsion returns as starters. Charlie Hewitt and Justin Allen pair once again at lock and Matt Trouville return at No. 8.

In the backs, Connor Murphy is reunited with his fly-half, Sam Windsor. Conor Mills also returns at inside center with Osea Kolinisau shifting to his normal outside center position. The back three remain the same with Josua Vici and Malacchi Esdale the wings and Zach Pangelinan the fullback.

The reserves will include newly signed former University of Arizona flanker Chris Coyle, who returned from playing rugby in Australia. Last week’s starters Diego Maquieira, Rob Meeson, Cecil Garber, and Kieran Farmer are available. Estevan Florez and Chauntez Jackson are expected to see action in the second half at prop. Chris Slater, who doubles as a wing or scrum-half, Chris Milledge, as scrum-half, and Art Reyes at wing are also available.

The Chicago Lions are in second place in the Midwest Club Division 1 standings with a 9-5 record. The team will miss two key players who signed with Major League Rugby teams in JP Eloff (New Orleans Gold) and Angus MacLellan (Utah Warriors), who is playing for the Eagles on Saturday against Canada.

The team has Andrew Suniula on the squad, as he had played during the Fall for the Griffins. Jake Hidalgo and Brady Ghent are try scorers to watch for head coach Dave Clancy’s team.