Hounds Ink American Qualified Wing Michael Hand

CHICAGO, IL- The Chicago Hounds agreed to terms with American Qualified, Ireland native Michael Hand, the club announced today.

Most recently, the wing has been suiting up for Cork Constitution, competing in the All-Ireland League. He was a standout for the team during the 2022-2023 campaign, helping them reach a semi-final berth, before falling to Terenure College, who went on to win the championship.

Fans of college rugby might recognize Michael Hand. He spent the 2022 season studying at Baylor University and competing with the men’s rugby team in the Red River Conference. He dominated during his time with the Bears and was named the Red River Conference Player of the Year in 2022. Hand scored 20 points, two tries and five conversions, in a win over North Texas. In a win over the Texas Longhorns, Hand added 23 points by scoring three tries and eight conversions. In Baylor’s win over Oklahoma, the Irish playmaker finished with 28 points by scoring four tries and four conversions.

Additionally, the wing has earned USA Age-Grade honors. Hand was selected for the US Under-20’s team in their 2020 cycle, but ultimately did not get an opportunity to suit up for the team due to Covid-19. His signing to the Hounds, and his move back to the United States, could bode well for the Eagles moving forward as the young prospect continues to develop.

Hand joins an outside back group that has added a lot of new pieces ahead of the 2024 Major League Rugby season. Julian Dominguez returns from the 2023 roster, but newcomers such as wing Dave Kearney, wing Nate Augspurger, fullback Adriaan Carelse, outside back Cassh Maluia, and a pair of draft picks in Noah Brown (Round 1, Pick 4) and Daelen Denenberg (Round 2, Pick 17) are expected to inject much-needed fire power and depth into the Chicago back three.

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, lock/flanker*
• Ignacio Peculo, prop
• Cassh Maluia, outside back
• Guillermo Pujadas, hooker
• Dylan Fawsitt, hooker
• James Scott, lock
• Nate Augspurger, wing (via trade with NOLA Gold)
• Brad Tucker, lock/flanker (via Dispersal Draft)
• Mason Flesch, flanker (via Dispersal Draft)
• Michael Hand, wing

Star denotes a re-signed player.