Hounds Sign Veteran Wing Dave Kearney

Chicago, I.L.- The Hounds announced today they have signed wing Dave Kearney for the 2024 Major League Rugby season.

The 34-year-old Irishman makes the move to Chicago after spending the previous 14 years with Irish powerhouse Leinster, where he played with Hounds’ recent signing Nick McCarthy. The wing made 13 appearances for the club in the 2022-2023 season, starting all 13 contests while adding three scores in his 973 minutes of action.

After making his Leinster debut in May of 2009, Kearney was a mainstay in their lineup over the next decade-plus. He finished his Leinster career with 185 caps and scored 55 tries for the club. Additionally, Kearney helped the team win three Heineken Champions Cups, six league championships, and a Challenge Cup. After a strong 2020-2021 Pro 14 season, the wing earned Dream Team honors.

His success at the club level translated into international test play as well. Kearney earned 19 caps for the Irish national team after making his test debut against Samoa in 2013. The wing played in every minute of the 2014 Six Nations tournament, helping Ireland to win the title. Kearney competed with Ireland in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, starting in four contests and scoring a try. He scored five tries in his 19 caps.

The 5-foot-11, 200 pound finisher is expected to carry over his try-scoring ability to the Chicago camp for the 2024 Major League Rugby season.