Hounds Agree to Terms with John Cullen

CHICAGO, I.L.- The Chicago Hounds announced today a mid-season transaction update. The club signed former Utah Warrior John Cullen for the remainder of the 2023 Major League Rugby season.

The lock played with the Warriors for three seasons before stepping away from rugby, making his last appearance for Utah in 2020. Over the span of those three seasons, Cullen (6’6”, 260 pounds) appeared in 25 games with 19 starts.

Cullen played both rugby and football at the University of Utah. He started 24 games at offensive tackle for the Utes, earning second-team all conference honors in 2011. In rugby, Cullen toured New Zealand with the Collegiate All-Americans in 2013.

At 32-years-old, Cullen was brought into camp last week on a trial contract. His physicality in practice impressed the Hounds’ staff and he was elevated to the senior squad. He is expected to make his first appearance for Chicago this weekend against the 4-0 Seattle Seawolves. Fans can purchase tickets for the game here.

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 playing their Inaugural Season in 2023 at SEATGEEK Stadium.