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The newest team in Major League Rugby will hold a media availability at their new home of SeatGeek Stadium on Thursday mid-day. Chicago are expected to unveil a number of details including their team name and logo, and coaching staff. A live stream for the event has not been confirmed.
ARN has learned some of the information through various sources. As previously stated by the Rugby Wrap Up, Sam Harris will be the team’s first Head Coach. He makes an immediate move over from the now-defunct Austin Gilgronis. The team’s General Manager is James English, who formerly held the same role for Rugby United New York.
Team ownership is based locally. There are reportedly four lead investors. Phil Groves and Matthew Satchwell are attached to the Westside Condors club. Groves is the President of investment firm DAC Management, who has provided financial support to other USA rugby programs. Satchwell is a prominent litigation lawyer and partner at DLA Piper.
Nick Mullen is a partner at Great Oaks Venture Capital and was formerly deputy CEO of International Sports Management (ISM). He is the grandson of former Ireland captain Karl Mullen. Hugh McMahon also hails from Ireland and works for investment firm Alliance Bernstein. There are also suggestions that some former Ireland internationals have a smaller stake in the team.
Chicago selected 30 players in the recent Expansion and Dispersal Draft, though it’s expected that some of those will wait out the exclusive negotiation window to hear offers from other teams. It remains to be seen if any initial signings will be announced at the media event.
