All-Pro Center Billy Meakes Signs with Hounds

Chicago, I.L.- The Hounds today announced that they have agreed to terms with center Billy Meakes. Chicago selected the Australian native in the expansion draft held earlier this year.

Meakes is a two-time first-team All-Pro (2021, 2022) and has won consecutive Back of the Year awards. He spent his first two Major League Rugby seasons (2021 and 2022) in Los Angeles where he appeared in 27 contests, including 15 starts in 15 appearances this last year.

Meakes has terrorized defenses over his first two years in the season, beating 90 defenders and breaking the line 13 times. He totaled 310 career carries for 2,495 meters (8.0 meters per carry) with five tries scored. On defense, he’s credited with 241 tackles for the last two seasons.

He’s played in two playoff games and helped the Giltinis win the 2021 Western Conference championship along with the 2021 MLR Championship Series Shield.

The center competed with the Australian Under-20 team in the 2011 U20 World Championships, finishing in third place. He joined Gloucester in the English Premiership in 2013, where he spent three seasons before returning to Australia and signing with the Western Force. After two seasons with the Force, Meakes signed with the Rebels before moving to the London Irish in 2020 on a short-term deal.

Roster to Date:

The Hounds have now announced SIX players on their roster for the 2023 season: Bryce Campbell, J.P. Eloff, Chris Mattina, Mike matarazzo, Mark O’keeffe, and billy meakes.

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 tickets go on sale Monday December 19th.

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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.