Hounds Sign Trio to Roster

On Wednesday, the Hounds announced a series of transactions ahead of the 2023 Major League Rugby season.

The club signed Malaysian lock Dineshwaran “Duke” Krishnan, who had been playing for the Hino Red Dolphins in the Japan Rugby League One. Additionally, the team agreed to terms with prop Mika Felix, a US Falcons representative. Lastly, the club signed wing Caleb Strum, selected seventh overall by Austin back in the 2021 MLR Collegiate Draft.

Duke Krishnan

Krishnan, who goes by Duke, started his professional rugby career with the Shizuoka Blue Revs in 2013 and spent six seasons with the team in Japan’s top league. In 2016, the towering athlete scored a career-high five tries while starting all 15 matches he appeared in.

Before the 2019 season, Krishnan made the move to the Red Dolphins, where he played the last three seasons. The 34-year-old will arrive at training camp in Chicago this week.

Mika Felix

The Hounds bolstered their front row with the signing of youngster Mika Felix, who spent the 2022 Major League Rugby season with the Austin Gilgronis.

A native of Sydenham, New Zealand, the prop is USA-eligible and has been an active participant in the USA age-grade program. He was selected for the USA Under 20 team in 2020 and most recently, Felix toured with the Falcons.

Caleb Strum

Chicago added more young talent on the roster with the signing of outside back Caleb Strum. The Alabama Crimson Tide speedster burst onto the scene at the 2021 Rugby Showcase when he ran a 4.3 40. His speed at the combine event, coupled with strong showings on various 7s circuits throughout the country, the Virginia native caught the attention of the Gilgronis staff. He was selected seventh overall in the 2021 MLR Collegiate Draft.

During his rookie season, Strum appeared in a pair of contests and was credited with three ball carries for 34 meters gained. Most recently, Strum helped lift the Chicago Griffins to a Midwest Premiership title this past fall.

The Chicago Hounds kick off their inaugural season in Major League Rugby on February 18th at 1:00 PM CST when they take on Old Glory DC at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia. Broadcast information will be available shortly. Fans can watch the Hounds play live at SeatGeek Stadium for the home opener against the Utah Warriors on Sunday, March 5th. Buy your tickets to the home opener here.

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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 set to play their Inaugural Season in 2023 at SEATGEEK Stadium.