CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago Hounds rugby team took over North Avenue Beach on Wednesday, in celebration of the upcoming 2023 Major League Rugby Championship Game.
“We’re really excited to bring professional rugby here to the city of Chicago, and we’ll be celebrating that with the championship game on July 8,” said James English, the CEO and general manager of the Chicago Hounds.
In its sixth season, Major League Rugby (MLR) is gearing up for the playoffs, which will commence in Chicago at SeatGeek Stadium — where the Hounds play home games.
“It’s a great time and exciting time for rugby,” English said. “It’s the second-fastest growing team sport in America, and what better city than Chicago to welcome the Chicago Hounds?”
Rugby has seen a local surge, thanks in part to a new push to get more students — locally and nationally — into the sport. MLR has teamed up with USA Rugby, as well as USA Youth and High School Rugby to relaunch the Rookie Rugby Program, which aims to put flag rugby in more schools and youth sporting leagues.
With one more game remaining in the Hounds’ inaugural season, the team sits in 11th place out of 12 teams and has a record of 2-13, which means Chicago will not make the playoffs. Nonetheless, players on Wednesday said they were looking forward to the excitement that the championship will bring to the city.
“I’m really excited to be here in Chicago and bring professional rugby to the city,” said Matai Leuta, a former USA rugby player and Olympian.
The 2023 championship game will feature performances by Shaquille O’Neal and American celtic band Dropkick Murphys. The Chicago Hounds will also host festivities, including the Dawg Town Block Party fan festival, which has been billed as showcasing the best of Chicago rugby and culture through Windy City-themed vendors, musicians, food, and drinks.
“It’s going to be an awesome party; come join us,” said Bryce Campbell, the Chicago Hounds captain.
Tickets for the event are on-sale now at chicagohounds.com.
The MLR championship will take place on June 8, 2023, at 2 p.m. It will air nationally on Fox.
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