Canadian forward Matt Oworu re-signs with Chicago Hounds for 2026

Canadian forward Matt Oworu will continue playing for the Chicago Hounds in the 2026 Major League Rugby season, with the franchise agreeing to terms on a one-year contract extension with the 25-year-old backrower.

Chicago have announced a series of significant re-signing updates in the last week, with Second-Team All-MLR wing Noah Brown inking a new deal. MLR veteran Luke White has also agreed to a one-year contract extension.

As MLR prepares to usher in a new era with six teams, every franchise has been revealing transfer news on their social media pages. The Hounds are looking to build on their best-ever finish last season, falling to the New England Free Jacks 21-20 in the Conference Finals.

Oworu has only played one season in MLR but the powerful forward established himself as an important member of Chicago’s matchday 23. The loose forward has made 14 appearances for the Hounds, including three starts at number eight during the regular season.

The Canadian debuted for the Hounds in a round four 31-18 win away to the Miami Sharks on March 8, playing 12 minutes off the pine. Oworu was later promoted to the run-on side for a round 10 clash away to the Seattle Seawolves.

After back-to-back starts against Seattle and the Utah Warriors, Oworu returned to the bench for six of his next seven appearances. The Canadian 15s and sevens representative packed down at the back of the scrum in a win over the Houston SaberCats in round 17.

Born in Canada and raised in Zimbabwe, the backrower debuted as an international sevens player during the 2023/24 season. Oworu would later debut for Canada in 15s during the summer 2022 Test series, featuring in a match against Belgium.

Oworu has played 14 Tests for Canada, including three starts during recent matches against Romania, Georgia and Portugal. Ahead of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, Oworu is expected to play a big role for the team in the years ahead.

As for Chicago’s other two recent re-signings, Brown will continue to represent the franchise in 2026 – a few years on from the 2023 MLR Draft, where the winger was taken fourth overall, the club’s first-ever pick.

Brown started in 15 of 16 appearances in 2025, scoring three tries. The outside back has played for the USA in both 15s and sevens, and featured in the Eagles’ wider training squad since his rookie season in MLR.

White is another significant inclusion in the Hounds’ roster. The 34-year-old is primed for his ninth season in MLR, and fourth with the Hounds, having played 45 games to date for the club since signing with them in 2023.

The forward has made 24 starts for the Hounds, playing more than 2,000 minutes in that time. With impressive numbers in both attack and defence, White has become an integral part of Chicago’s side, with that set to continue during the upcoming campaign.