Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds have announced the signing of Willis Goodwin, an outside back, for the remainder of the 2024 Major League Rugby season. Goodwin, a native of Arlington Heights, joins the senior team after a successful stint with the Hounds Academy squad last fall. He started in one match for the academy, securing a victory against the Houston Sabercats’ Academy on November 19th.

Before joining the Hounds, Goodwin was part of the New England Free Jacks during the 2023 season but did not play in any matches. In late 2022, he toured Uruguay with the USA-Selects team.

Goodwin's athletic background includes being a two-sport athlete at John Carroll University where he participated in track and rugby. He earned All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors in several track events including Triple Jump, Long Jump, and 200-meter relay. His personal records include an 11.45-second time for 100 meters and a long jump best of 6.8 meters.

In high school at Rolling Meadows High School, Goodwin was recognized as an outstanding football player earning All-Mid Suburban League and All-Area honors. His rugby journey began in middle school with Arlington Stallions Rugby club.

Goodwin is expected to strengthen an already talented group of outside backs which includes players like Nate Augspurger, Noah Brown, and Julian Dominguez.