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The Chicago Hounds have acquired the rights to a pair of domestic-qualified hookers ahead of their inaugural Major League Rugby campaign. Lindsey Stevens arrives from the now-defunct LA Giltinis, while Mason Koch finds a new home after the demise of the Austin Gilgronis.
Both players were selected in the recent Dispersal Draft but will not end up playing for the teams that drafted them. Toronto will receive salary cap considerations in return for Stevens, while NOLA gets the same from Chicago in exchange for Koch.
Stevens played 9 games for the Giltinis this past season, largely in a reserve role. The 27-year-old is Australian-born but made his test debut for Canada in July and now has 4 caps to his name. He has previously played for the Houston SaberCats, NOLA Gold, and Shute Shield side Eastern Suburbs.
Koch, 25, joined the AG’s in 2021 after being selected from Dartmouth in the Collegiate Draft. He made a dozen appearances this past season, making it 21 all told though only three have been starts. Originally from Coralville, Iowa, he moves closer to home with MLR’s first Midwest franchise.
Though the club have not yet confirmed their signatures, it now appears that both Stevens and Koch will suit up for Chicago. The Hounds selected Austin pair Hugh Roach and Robbie Coetzee in the Dispersal Draft. ARN understands that Roach is the most likely to sign for the Hounds.
