Hounds Execute Pair of Trades with Carolina Anthem

CHICAGO, IL- With the second week of preseason training camp on the brink of finishing, the team continues to configure its clubhouse ahead of the 2024 Major League Rugby campaign. The Hounds announced today a pair of trade executions with the Carolina Anthem, MLR’s latest franchise addition.

In the first trade, the Anthem are set to receive tighthead prop Mika Felix from Chicago. In exchange, the Hounds receive salary cap considerations for the 2024 season.

Hounds Receive:

Salary Cap Considerations in the 2024 MLR season

Anthem Receives:

The playing services rights to prop Mika Felix

Felix, 5-foot-10 and 265 pounds, appeared in five contests for the Hounds during the 2023 season. He made four appearances off of the bench and started the Week 10 contest against the New Orleans Gold. The American-qualified prop finished the year with 112 minutes on the field. Felix had 26 first or second ruck arrivals. Offensively, he carried the ball three times for 10 meters (3.3 meters-per-carry). Defensively, Felix completed 18 of his 22 tackle attempts.

Additionally, the Hounds traded rookie prop Juan Pen to the Anthem. Chicago received 2024 salary cap considerations in exchange for the playing services rights to the St. Bonaventure product.

Hounds Receive:

Salary Cap Considerations in the 2024 MLR season

Anthem Receives:

The playing services rights to prop Juan Pen

Chicago originally selected the Cleveland, Ohio native in the second round of the 2023 MLR Collegiate Draft. The 16th overall pick enjoyed a standout career for St. Bonaventure’s rugby program before declaring for the draft.

Despite his talent and potential, the Hounds’ tighthead prop position group is littered with talent. Similarly to the up-and-coming prospect Felix, Pen was up against a log jam in the depth chart. The rookie is expected to compete for meaningful minutes following the trade.