The Chicago Hounds have secured a major signing ahead of the 2024 Major League Rugby (MLR) season with the acquisition of versatile forward Ben Landry. The Wisconsin native will be making his return to the Midwest, rejoining the region's rugby scene after a successful three-year stint with the Seattle Seawolves.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the Chicago Hounds,” Landry stated. “As a Wisconsinite, growing up playing rugby, I dreamt of a professional rugby team near my hometown. Now that it’s finally here, I’m excited to play whatever role is needed to help the club and grow rugby in the Midwest.”
Landry brings a wealth of experience to the Hounds, having played 39 games with 36 starts across five seasons in MLR. The 32-year-old forward boasts impressive career stats, including 1,605 meters gained on 284 carries (averaging 5.7 meters per carry) and four tries. Defensively, he's been a force with 332 tackles to his name, including 22 dominant tackles.
Landry's journey in MLR began with the Glendale Raptors in the inaugural 2018 season, where he played a vital role in helping the team reach the Championship Series final. He then embarked on a season with the Ealing Trailfinders in England before returning to MLR with the New England Free Jacks in 2020.
In 2021, Landry signed with the Seattle Seawolves and made an immediate impact with seven appearances and four starts. His versatility and contributions were pivotal in helping the Seawolves return to the postseason, eventually securing the Western Conference Championship.
During the 2023 season, Landry continued to shine, starting in all 16 of his appearances and aiding the Seawolves' postseason journey. His performance included three tries and a total of 15 points scored during his 1,208 minutes of action.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 260 pounds, Landry's rugby journey began in middle school, and he continued to excel through high school at Pewaukee High School in Wisconsin. His collegiate rugby career took flight at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, where he earned multiple Collegiate All-American honors. He also made his mark on the international stage, making his debut for the USA Men’s National team in 2016 and featuring prominently in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, making three appearances in the tournament.
The signing of Ben Landry marks a significant addition to the Chicago Hounds' roster, and fans can look forward to witnessing his skill and experience on the field during the upcoming MLR season.
*For more updates and insights on our athletes, stay tuned to Kosei Performance Partners.*
