Chicago Hounds and Midwest Rugby

The Chicago Hounds are playing their inaugural season in Major League Rugby in 2023. The team has spent two years planning for its entry and seeks to enhance the rugby experience in the Midwest by providing a pathway for rugby development, working with the community, and being a competitive team in the MLR Western Conference.

The team has a superb facility in SeatGeek Stadium, a 20,000-seat stadium. There is a dome to provide year-round training with three outside fields and a gym. The team will work with existing clubs and Rugby Illinois to enhance rugby development.

Attending MLR matches provides an opportunity to interact with fans, as well as rugby staff and players. The Chicago Hounds opened their season away against Old Glory DC, and George Thornton, a tighthead prop scored the team’s first try. The Chicago Hounds will be an exciting team in 2023.

Before the match, I had a chance to interview CEO and General Manager James English. At halftime, I met with one of the team owners Phil Groves at halftime, and after the match with Head Coach Sam Harris.

View their interviews below and get behind MLR rugby in the Midwest in supporting the Chicago Hounds.

Chicago Hounds Interviews

Chicago Hounds owner Phil Groves discusses team ownership in bringing professional rugby to the Midwest. Youth rugby, college, club, and Thunderbirds All-Stars are part of the pathway to professional rugby, An Academy program will be developed in this pathway. Charity programs, the dispersal draft, and U.S. player development were also discussed.

Chicago Hounds CEO and General Manager James English discusses team responsibilities, team ties to the Midwest, expectations, a sense of community, and being competitive in the 2023 MLR season. Player pathways, a successful combine, facilities, and the head coach were also discussed.

Chicago Hounds Head Coach Sam Harris discusses his coaching style, player-centric coaching, player development, and acquiring players with talent and character.