Week Three Roster Set vs Utah
March 4, 2023 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Chicago Hounds News Release
CHICAGO, I.L. - Head Coach Sam Harris named the 23 Hounds that will take the field at SeatGeek Stadium for the first time, ushering in the era of professional rugby in the greater Chicagoland area. The 0-1 Hounds take on the 1-1 Utah Warriors on Sunday at 1 PM.
There's been one change in the front row since the Hounds took the field in Week 1 against Washington DC. Hooker Hugh Roach comes into the starting roster after appearing off of the bench. The prop pairing of George Thornton and Charlie Abel remains unchanged.
Mike Matarazzo makes his first start of the season at lock, coming in for Luke White, who is sidelined due to a minor injury. He is considered week-to-week at this point and isn't expected to miss significant time. The backrow remains unchanged; the trio of vice-captain Luke Beauchamp, Maclean Jones, and Michael de Waal will wear the 6,7, and 8 shirts respectively.
Michael Baska and Luke Carty remain at the pivots and will orchestrate a backline that has only one change since Week 1. Wing Julian Dominguez will earn his first Hounds' cap, starting on the left wing, while Caleb Strum will shift over to the right wing. Captain Bryce Campbell and Mark O'Keeffe continue their center pairing and Chris Mattina rounds out the starters from his fullback position.
There are no new caps on the bench; Lindsey Stevens, LaRome White, and Paddy Ryan are the front row substitutes. Sam Peri and Dacoda Worth can earn their second caps of the season with appearances off of the bench. Harris opted for a traditional 5-3 split for the Week Three matchup; Sean Yacoubian, J.P. Eloff, and Kevin Morgan are the back substitutes for the game.
Fans can purchase tickets for the historic event, the inaugural home game in Chicago Hounds' history, here. If you are unable to attend the game, you can tune in to Marquee Plus or the Rugby Network for a live broadcast. The game is set for tape delay on Marquee Sports Network.
George Thornton
Hugh Roach
Charlie Abel
Duke Krishnan
Mike Matarazzo
Luke Beauchamp (VC)
Maclean Jones
Michael de Waal
Michael Baska
Luke Carty
Julian Dominguez
Bryce Campbell (C)
Mark O'Keeffe
Caleb Strum
Chris Mattina
Lindsey Stevens
LaRome White
Paddy Ryan
Sam Peri
Dacoda Worth
Sean Yacoubian
J.P. Eloff
Kevin Morgan
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