Hounds Agree to Contract Extension with Forward Mike Matarazzo

CHICAGO, I.L.- The Chicago Hounds offseason transactions continued on Thursday by agreeing to terms of a contract extension with versatile forward Mike Matarazzo.

The Staten Island, New York native was originally a first-round pick (eighth overall) by Rugby Atlanta in the 2022 Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft. During his 2021 rookie season, Matarazzo started one game in his lone appearance. He completed all eight of his tackle attempts in 42 minutes on the field and recorded four lineout takes.

Prior to the 2022 season, the lock / flanker signed on with the Dallas Jackals for their inaugural season in MLR. Matarazzo appeared in 14 games for the Jackals and started 13 of those contests. The Notre Dame product carried the ball 44 times and gained 183 meters (4 meters-per-carry) and scored his first career try. He completed 113 of his 159 tackle attempts and six of those tackles were dominant.

He signed with the Hounds before the 2023 campaign. During his third season of MLR, Matarazzo started 11 of his 13 appearances and played 886 minutes. He finished the season with 56 carries for 199 meters gained (3.5 MPC) and beat three defenders. Matarazzo completed 103 of his 134 tackle attempts with seven dominant tackles.

Matazrazzo was a two-time captain for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish while earning All-American honors. In the fall of 2021, he toured with the USA Selects team to Montevideo, Uruguay.

Chicago Hounds fans can see Matarazzo and the rest of the new-look squad during the 2024 season through buying season tickets for the upcoming Major League Rugby season. Fans can purchase their season ticket packages here.

Roster to Date:

To date, the Chicago Hounds have signed the following players for the 2024 Major League Rugby season:

• Nick McCarthy, scrumhalf
• Ben Landry, lock/flanker
• Dave Kearney, wing
• Bryce Campbell, center*
• Zurabi Zhvania, prop
• Billy Meakes, center*
• Julian Dominguez, wing*
• George Merrick, lock
• Tinashe Muchena, back row*
• Adriaan Carelse, fullback
• Mika Felix, prop*
• Jason Higgins, scrumhalf (via trade with San Diego)
• Justice Nkombua, flanker*
• Paddy Ryan, prop*
• Mark O’Keeffe, center*
• Janus Venter, hooker
• Mike Matarazzo*

Star denotes a re-signed player.