Hounds Transaction Update: January 10

CHICAGO, I.L.- The Hounds today announced a series of transactions the club made in lead up to the 2023 Major League Rugby season.

SEAN YACOUBIAN

In a trade with the New England Free Jacks, Chicago received scrumhalf Sean Yacoubian in exchange for salary cap considerations during the 2023 MLR season.

Chicago Receives: Sean Yacoubian, scrumhalf

New England Receives: Salary Cap Considerations for the 2023 Season

Yacoubian (5-9, 200 pounds) appeared in one game for the Colorado Raptors during his 2020 rookie season before the year was cut short. He signed with New England in the offseason and over the last two seasons, the scrumhalf appeared in four contests for the Freejacks.

Yacoubian has six carries in his career for 38 meters gained (6.3 MPC) and has made all ten of his tackle attempts. He was a two-time collegiate All-American with St. Mary’s.

SIDNEY SHOOP

Additionally, the team announced they have agreed to terms with scrumhalf Sidney Shoop. Chicago selected Shoop in the Major League Rugby dispersal draft held in November after the scrumhalf spent two seasons with Austin.

As a rookie in 2021, Shoop (5-8, 165 pounds) signed with the Austin Gilgronis. The scrumhalf appeared in three contests on the year, totaling 35 minutes of action. He had four carries for 13 meters (3.3 meters per carry) along with a line break and a pair of defenders beaten. Defensively, Shoop finished his rookie year credited with five tackles.

He returned to Austin in 2022 for his second season of MLR and appeared in six contests for the best team in the western conference. He only carried the ball twice, but finished the year with 38 meters gained (19 MPC) along with his first career try. Defensively, Shoop made 16 of his 17 tackle attempts in his 50 minutes of action.

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.