Hounds Sign Prop Fred Apulu to Contract Extension

CHICAGO, IL- The Hounds announced today they signed prop Fred Apulu to a contract extension for the 2024 Major League Rugby season.

Apulu broke onto the Major League Rugby scene in 2022 with the Los Angeles Giltinis. The prop appeared in one game and carried the ball twice for six meters gained. In his six minutes on the field, Apulu completed two of his three tackle attempts.

After Apulu’s stint in Los Angeles, the prop signed with the San Diego Legion ahead of the 2023 campaign. He spent the first nine weeks of the season with the Legion before joining the Hounds’ camp in Week 10. He made his first appearance for the Hounds in that week’s matchup against the New Orleans Gold.

Apulu earned four caps last season and played a total of 68 minutes. His impressive carrying skills were on display, gaining 28 meters on just four carries (seven meters-per-carry) and beating one defender. He completed 10 of his 11 tackle attempts.

The former Samoan Under-20 player joins a prop group that includes a pair of returning players in Mika Felix and Paddy Ryan in addition to newcomers Zurabi Zhvania and Ignacio Peculo.

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
• Lucas Rumball, flanker
• Conall Boomer, flanker
• Caolan Dooley, utility back
• Fred Apulu, prop*

Star denotes a re-signed player.