Hounds Sign Veteran Tighthead Prop to Contract Extension
January 3, 2025 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Chicago Hounds News Release
CHICAGO, Il. - The Chicago Hounds announced today yet another player transaction move ahead of the 2025 Major League Rugby season. The club agreed to terms on a contract extension with MLR veteran Paddy Ryan. The tighthead prop is committed to the Hounds through the 2025 season.
The 33-year-old is entering his eighth season of Major League Rugby and his third season with the Hounds. Ryan made his Chicago debut on February 18, 2023 in the Hounds' first ever MLR contest, an away game at Old Glory DC.
The MLR veteran enjoyed somewhat of a career resurgence in 2024. Ryan appeared in a career-high 15 games and played over 500 minutes for the first time since the 2019 season. He registered over 120 ruck arrivals in his 11 starts and carried the ball 42 times for 169 meters. On defense, Ryan completed 75 of his 84 tackle attempts, and won four turnovers at the breakdown.
Ryan has 69 MLR caps to date, including 51 starts and over 3,000 minutes of playing time. His offensive numbers are impressive for a prop, including eight tries for 40 points and 1,005 meters gained on 260 career-carries. He's been a stout defender over his seven-year career in the league, completing 335 of his 374 tackle attempts (90% completion rate).
The Chicago-born, Irish-raised tighthead prop began his MLR career in 2018 with Austin. Prior to the 2019 season, Ryan signed with Rugby United New York, and spent two seasons with the team. After a brief return to Austin in 2021, the US capped-international signed with the San Diego Legion for the 2022 season. This marks the first time Ryan has spent three seasons with one team across his MLR career.
He has deeply rooted connections to the city of Chicago, playing club rugby here at various times throughout his career, most recently with the Chicago Griffins. Ryan has seven test caps for the United States Men's National Team.
To date, the Chicago Hounds have confirmed the following transactions ahead of the 2025 Major League Rugby season:
Player Name Position Transaction Type
Faka'Osi Pifeleti Prop New Signing
Liam Fletcher Prop New Signing
Paddy Ryan Prop Contract Extension
Hamish Bain Lock New Signing
Maclean Jones Back Row Contract Extension
Matthew Oworu Back Row New Signing
Lucas Rumball Back Row Contract Extension
Luke White Back Row Contract Extension
Michael Baska Scrumhalf Contract Extension
Mitch Short Scrumhalf New Signing
Tim Swiel Flyhalf New Signing
Sam Walsh Flyhalf / Fullback New Signing (Academy)
Bryce Campbell Center Contract Extension
Ollie Devoto Center New Signing
Noah Flesch Center New Signing
Noah Brown Wing Contract Extension
Michael Hand II Wing Contract Extension
Ben Pollack Versatile Back New Signing
• Discuss this story on the Major League Rugby message board...
Major League Rugby Stories from January 3, 2025
- Hounds Sign Veteran Tighthead Prop to Contract Extension - Chicago Hounds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
