Chicago Hounds Form Senior Academy

CHICAGO, I.L.- The Chicago Hounds are excited to announce the formation of their senior academy. 

The Academy will be led by Hounds’ Attack and Backs Coach Dave Clancy and is supported by a combination of senior coaching staff and existing Hounds’ players with the goal of identifying and developing local senior men’s talent towards future hounds MLR contracts.

Preparation for the inaugural season of the Hounds’ academy has been a months-long process, beginning with the talent identification combine held by the franchise early last year. There is another upcoming combine, which will be nomination based working with clubs across the Midwest. Head Coach Sam Harris and Clancy extended invites to players they have scouted over the course of the domestic clubs’ summer 7s seasons and fall 15s seasons across Chicago and the greater Midwest region.

Amongst those competing for the Senior Academy are three of the draft picks in the Chicago Hounds’ first-ever draft class: second round picks Daelen Denenberg (Wing, Santa Clara University) and Juan Pen (Prop, St. Bonaventure), and third round pick Clayton Means (Center, Lindenwood University).

The Hounds’ Academy will be continuing to identify players while practice commences on October 10th for those already invited. The team is preparing for a competitive window that follows the conclusion of the fall club season. The Hounds’ Academy is set to compete against the respective academies of MLR rivals San Diego Legion, the Toronto Arrows, and the Houston Sabercats. Additionally, the Hounds’ academy will play against a Pittsburgh select side.

“The Hounds’ Senior Academy is the first step in our strategic plan to build a comprehensive pathway for aspiring professional rugby players across the Midwest, with a specific focus on identifying and developing US eligible talent.” stated Chicago Hounds CEO and General Manager James English.