Hounds Agree to Terms with Pair of Forwards

CHICAGO, I.L.- The Chicago Hounds announced today a pair of transactions the club made in build up to the 2023 Major League Rugby season. Chicago signed prop Charlie Abel and lock Sam Peri. Both players were drafted by the franchise in Major League Rugby’s dispersal draft held earlier this year.

Charlie Abel

The 6-0, 260-pound Melbourne, Australia native spent the last two seasons in Los Angeles with the Giltinis. In 2022, he appeared in 15 games with a total of 721 minutes played. He scored three tries on his 74 carries and gained 390 meters on the year (5.3 meters per carry). The prop had three line breaks with 11 defenders beaten and made 113 tackles on 132 attempts. Abel was credited with three breakdown steals as well.

The tighthead prop got an All-Pro honorable mention nod in 2021, his first year with the Giltinis, helping lead Los Angeles to an MLR title. He appeared in 16 games with over 1,000 minutes played. His offensive prowess was on display again, as he finished the year with another pair of line breaks and six defenders beaten. He made 142 tackles and carried the ball 81 times for 364 meters (4.5 MPC).

Sam Peri

Additionally, the Hounds announced today they agreed to terms with lock Sam Peri. The Hounds selected the Moraga, California native in the MLR dispersal draft held earlier this year.

Peri (6-6, 235 pounds) appeared in two games for Los Angeles last season, playing 22 total minutes. He beat one defender on his two carries and gained 10 meters (5 meters per carry) and scored a seven-point try.

He played in San Diego in 2018, the first year of Major League Rugby. The lock earned three caps for the Legion and played 145 minutes. Peri played collegiately at the University of Arizona after earning High School All-American honors.

The Chicago Hounds kick off their inaugural season in Major League Rugby on February 18th at 1:00 PM CST when they take on Old Glory DC at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia. Broadcast information will be available shortly. Fans can watch the Hounds play live at SeatGeek Stadium for the home opener against the Utah Warriors on Sunday, March 5th. Season ticket packages start at only $240. Buy your tickets today here.

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ABOUT CHICAGO HOUNDS:

The Chicago Hounds are a professional rugby team competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), North America’s professional rugby competition. The Hounds were named as an expansion franchise in 2022 and are set to play their Inaugural Season in 2023 at SeatGeek Stadium.