Sam Harris Head Coach | LinkedIn
Sam Harris Head Coach | LinkedIn
With the 2025 Major League Rugby season approaching, the Chicago Hounds have announced a new addition to their team. Head Coach Chris Latham has signed hooker Jackson Zabierek, who previously worked with Latham at the Seattle Seawolves camp during the 2024 season.
Jackson Zabierek, originally from Oakland, California, was initially picked by Los Angeles RFC in the second round of the 2023 MLR Collegiate Draft. Before the start of the 2024 MLR season, he chose to join the American Raptors instead. His performances there led him to sign with the Seawolves for their playoff run in 2024. During his time with them, Zabierek played six games and started against RFC Los Angeles in Week 16. Over a total of 190 minutes on the field, he carried the ball 17 times for a gain of 79 meters and beat one defender.
Despite limited appearances, Zabierek's defensive skills were noteworthy. He successfully completed 35 out of his 37 tackle attempts and made seven dominant tackles.
Last season saw two players from Chicago Hounds achieve seven or more dominant tackles: flanker Maclean Jones and lock James Scott. Jones made seven dominant tackles out of 219 attempts while Scott recorded eleven out of 169 attempts.
Zabierek will be vying for playing time alongside seasoned MLR player Dylan Fawsitt and South African prospect Janus Venter as well as academy graduate Will Vakalahi.
The Chicago Hounds have confirmed several transactions ahead of their upcoming season.
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