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Ex-MLR ROTY among host of Chicago Hounds debutants for season opener

Tavite Lopeti of United States takes on Caleb Muntz of Fiji during the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup Semi-Final between Fiji and United States at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Koki Nagahama/Getty Images)

2022 Major League Rugby Rookie of the Year Tavite Lopeti joins a host of other Chicago Hounds debutants in the run-on side for their 2026 opener against Anthem Rugby Carolina, who kicked off the season with a historic win last weekend.

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Anthem RC had never won an MLR game before but ended that drought with a 39-26 win over California Legion. Conner Mooneyham, who was the first-ever number one pick in MLR Draft history, is among the starters for Saturday’s clash with Chicago in Charlotte.

Wallabies great Chris Latham, who is the Chicago Hounds Head Coach, has named the 23-man squad for that match at American Legion Memorial Stadium. There are multiple debutants in the First XV alone, including Lopeti at outside centre.

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Lopeti was initially drafted by the Seattle Seawolves and made an immediate impact in the league, earning Second-Team All-Pro honours and ROTY. The midfielder has since been capped by the USA national team, suiting up late last year against Scotland, Georgia and Romania.

Front-rowers Jake Turnbull and rookie Theo Fourie will both debut for the Hounds, joining highly experienced tighthead prop Charlie Abel in the starting side. Capped USA Eagle Tomas Casares joins Nathan Den Hoedt in a new Hounds second row.

There are four debutants in the forward pack, with the backrow seeing the return of a familiar trio, including captain Lucas Rumball at No. 8. Mason Flesh will line up at blindside flanker, while Maclean Jones has been selected at openside.

Ruben De Haas will make his first appearance for the club at scrum-half, linking up with Chris Hilsenbeck in the halves. With Bryce Campbell retiring, Ollie Devoto shifts to inside centre this season, partnering Lopeti in the midfield.

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2025 Championship game MVP Brock Webster headlines the electrifying outside backs selected by Latham for this fixture, with the Canadian international starting at fullback. Noah Brown and Mark O’Keeffe are the two wingers.

This match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 pm CT on Saturday afternoon.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
0
Draws
0
Wins
5
Average Points scored
23
38
First try wins
60%
Home team wins
40%

Chicago Hounds to face Anthem Rugby Carolina

1. Jake Turnbull

2. Theo Fourie

3. Charlie Abel

4. Tomas Casares

5. Nathan Den Hoedt

6. Mason Flesch

7. Mac Jones

8. Lucas Rumball (C)

9. Ruben De Haas

10. Chris Hilsenbeck

11. Noah Brown

12. Oliver Devoto

13. Tavite Lopeti

14. Mark O’Keeffe

15. Brock Webster

Replacements

16. Jackson Zabierek

17. Luke White

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18. Koby Baker

19. Brandon Harvey

20. Jake Kinneeveauk

21. Michael Baska

22. Reece Botha

23. Santiago Videla

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