Hounds Add Center Bryce Campbell

CHICAGO, I.L.- The Hounds announced the first signing in the franchise’s history today. Center Bryce Campbell has agreed to terms with Chicago after being selected in the Major League Rugby expansion draft held in November.

“Coming to a city with such a rich rugby history couldn’t be more exciting,” Campbell said. “I played my first game for the US Eagles in the stadium that will be our home (Seatgeek Stadium), so it really is a special place to me.”

Campbell, 6-2 and 235 pounds, spent the last two seasons captaining the Austin Gilgronis. He made 15 starts in 2022, playing a total of 1136 minutes. He ran for 901 meters on 119 carries (7.5 meters per carry) with three clean line breaks and 17 total defenders beaten. His defensive presence was felt on a weekly basis, finishing the year credited with 144 tackles with 11 dominant tackles. The Gilgronis ended the year with a 12-4 record.

The Indianapolis native earned All-MLR Honorable mention honors in 2021, his first year with the Gilgronis. He played in 14 matches and ran for 931 meters on 143 carries (6.5 meters per carry). Campbell finished the year with 106 tackles with two dominant tackles and scored one try.

Before Austin, Campbell spent two seasons with the London Irish competing in the Premiership, England’s professional rugby competition. During Major League Rugby’s inaugural season in 2018, he played with the Glendale Raptors, helping lead them to an appearance in the first ever championship series final.

He’s been a mainstay in the US Eagles’ Men’s national team lineup since 2016. He’s earned 44 caps for the senior team, scoring eight tries in the process, while captaining the team on numerous occasions.

The center has a long list of accolades to go along with his impressive playing resume. He earned Collegiate All-American honors during his time at the Indiana University in addition to winning the Rudy Scholz Award, given annually to the best male collegiate rugby player in the country.

“Having friends and family so close is an added bonus too,” Campbell continued. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running. The management team has been able to put together an extremely talented roster. It’s going to be a big year for us in Chicago.”

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 information will be available to Hounds fans in the coming days.

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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.