Hounds Appoint Rob Webber as Forwards Coach

CHICAGO, I.L.- The Chicago Hounds announced today the appointment of former Jersey Reds Head Coach Rob Webber as their new Forwards Coach.

“Rob’s a huge pickup for the Hounds,” said CEO and General Manager James English. “The ex-England international has proven himself as one of the top young coaches in Europe.”

Webber, 37, spent the last two seasons as the Head Coach of the Jersey Reds, competing in the RFU Championship. During the 2022-2023 season, the former English international led the Reds to their first-ever RFU Championship. Webber’s team finished with a 20-1-1 record, recording 100 table points over the course of the 22-game season. They recorded a point differential of +413, scoring 804 points while only allowing 319.

In the 2021-2022 season, Webber’s first year as the Reds’ lead man, the team finished 13-6-1 and recorded 69 table points. They finished fourth in the table standings, scoring 596 points while allowing 436 for a point differential of +160.

Prior to Webber’s head coaching role with the Reds, he spent the 2020-2021 season as their Forwards Coach, his first foray into coaching professional rugby. Jersey finished the season with a 5-5 record, including four wins in their last five contests. The season was truncated to only 10-rounds after Covid-19.

As a player, Webber appeared in over 300-contests of top-level professional rugby. His career spanned over 16 years and included stints with Leeds Tykes, the London Wasps, Bath, and finally the Sale Sharks. The backrow-turned-hooker earned 16 caps for the England national team and appeared for the England Saxons an additional six times. He also appeared in the London Sevens tournament for the English National 7s team.

Webber will take on the role of Forwards Coach after the departure of Adam Ashe, who held the role during the Chicago Hounds’ inaugural 2023 season in Major League Rugby.

“Rob will no doubt be a huge addition on and off the field for the Hounds,” English continued. “Welcome Rob and family to Dawg Town.”