Anthem RC sign experienced ex-England U20 lock in major MLR move

Anthem Rugby Carolina have made a key signing ahead of the 2026 Major League Rugby season, with former England U20s lock James Scott joining the franchise after a successful two-season stint with the Chicago Hounds.

Scott is the latest addition to Anthem RC’s roster for the 2026 campaign, as the franchise continues to build its roster with offseason signings. In the last couple of days, Anthem has announced that Alex Hernandez and Elias Garza have joined the club on loan from Chicago.

With the second-rower putting pen to paper on a deal with the franchise, Anthem have secured the services of an experienced tight five forward. Scott made more than 30 appearances for the Hounds and has experience playing for clubs overseas as well.

The Englishman came through the academy system at Worcester Warriors, debuting for the club as a teenager. Scott would later be selected to play for England U20 in the U20 Six Nations Championship, which included starts against Italy and Scotland.

Scott started a Premiership Rugby Cup game for the first time when Worcester faced Leicester Tigers on September 22, 2019. The Warriors ran away with a comprehensive 57-23 win, with Scott playing the full 80 minutes.

After three appearances in Europe’s Challenge Cup, Scott started Premiership fixtures away to Wasps, Exeter Chiefs and Bath. The towering lock played at least 65 minutes in two of those appearances, including an 80-minute shift against Bath.

Scott moved to Glasgow Warriors in February 2021 on a six-week loan deal. The Worcester system product debuted for his new club against Ulster on February 20, and would represent the club in a further three matches that season.

Following one more season with Worcester and a stint with the Jersey Reds in England’s Championship, Scott signed with Chicago. As a rookie, Scott was selected in the All-MLR Second-Team after starting in all 17 appearances for the Hounds.

Scott continued to play an important role in the Hounds’ run-on side the next season, starting in all 17 appearances yet again. That included 80-minute performances in the Conference semi-finals and the Conference Final defeat to the New England Free Jacks.

USA Eagles training squad player Julian Roberts, 10-Test Eagle Moni Tonga’uiha and prop Oliver Kane are among the other new players joining Anthem for 2026. Anthem will face California Legion away in the opening game of the new season on Saturday, March 28.