Chicago Hounds land major signing as MLR veteran returns home

Major League Rugby veteran Malcolm May is on the move, with the utility forward signing with the Chicago Hounds ahead of the 2026 season, following a memorable seven-season stint with NOLA Gold.

May grew up in Chicaho as a multi-sport athlete, playing both American football and rugby union. After an impressive collegiate career at Penn State University, May signed with NOLA before the 2019 MLR season.

The dynamic forward earned multiple All-American selections with Penn State but didn’t get many opportunities to make an impact as a rookie at the professional level, playing 48 minutes in just two appearances that season.

After featuring in 14 matches across three seasons, May’s fourth campaign with NOLA was one to remember. May made a career-high 12 appearances, finishing with a 93 per cent tackle completion rate.

In the next three seasons, May made 35 appearances for the New Orleans-based side, which included 30 starts. May played more than 900 minutes in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, scoring six tries to date.

May scored three tries and tackled with a 94 per cent completion rate during the most memorable season in NOLA’s history in MLR, with the lock/flanker playing a key role in the franchise’s journey to a maiden playoff appearance.

While a season-ending injury held May to just three matches last season, the Penn State product returns home to Chicago as a marquee signing for the team. May is the latest in a growing list of signings for the club, which is aiming for their first-ever championship.

Former LA Giltinis prop Charlie Abel has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Hounds, while another few players have also re-committed. Chris Hilsenbeck, Lucas Rumball and Mason Flesch have also put pen to paper on fresh deals for 2026.