Chicago Signs Hooker Hugh Roach

CHICAGO, I.L.- The Hounds announced today they have agreed to terms with Australian hooker Hugh Roach. The Hounds drafted Roach in the Major League Rugby dispersal draft held in November after he spent the last two seasons in Austin.

Roach (5-10, 235 pounds) signed with the Austin Gilgronis ahead of their 2021 MLR Season and made an immediate impact for the club. He finished his first season in the league with 11 appearances for 657 total minutes played. He carried the ball 66 times for 384 meters (5.8 MPC) and scored seven tries on the year. Roach was credited with 97 tackles for the season. 

He was impressive again in 2022, earning another 12 caps for Austin in his 803 minutes of duty. Roach touched down for seven more scores on another 66 carries, totaling 409 meters on the season (6.2 MPC). His defensive presence was felt weekly as he was credited with 144 tackles in his 12 appearances.

Before Major League Rugby, Roach made 50 Super Rugby appearances in his time spent with the Waratahs, Rebels, and Crusaders. He scored ten career tries in those 50 contests. The hooker represented the Australian school-boy’s team 11 times between 2009 and 2010.

The Chicago Hounds kick off their inaugural season in Major League Rugby on February 18th at 1:00 PM CST when they take on Old Glory DC at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia. Broadcast information will be available shortly. Fans can watch the Hounds play live at SeatGeek Stadium for the home opener against the Utah Warriors on Sunday, March 5th. For this week only, season ticket packages start at only $200. Buy your tickets today here.

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ABOUT CHICAGO HOUNDS:

The Chicago Hounds are a professional rugby team competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), North America’s professional rugby competition. The Hounds were named as an expansion franchise in 2022 and are set to play their Inaugural Season in 2023 at SeatGeek Stadium.