Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds have announced the signing of Australian prop Liam Fletcher. The 25-year-old, standing at 6’2” and weighing 260 pounds, hails from Brisbane and has spent the last two seasons with Brothers Rugby Club in the Queensland Premier League.

Fletcher's rugby journey began in 2016 when he captained both the Capricornia Schools Under-17s program and the Central Queensland Bushrangers U17 team. His performances earned him a place on the Queensland Junior Gold U17 team. In 2017, Fletcher joined the Western Force academy system, where he was named captain for both their U20 and U19 teams. He also secured a spot in the Australian U20 Player of National Interest pool.

Between 2020 and 2022, Fletcher played for Souths Rugby Club. Both Chris Latham, Head Coach of Chicago Hounds, and Todd Dammers, Forward Coach of Hounds, have connections to this club. During his time there, Fletcher was named MVP and most valuable player of the Queensland Premier League.

In 2023, Fletcher moved to Brothers Rugby Club and contributed to their consecutive Hospital Cup Championships in 2023 and 2024. This achievement marked them as the first team since Canberra Vikings (2001-2003) to win back-to-back titles.

Fletcher's addition strengthens Chicago Hounds' front row for the upcoming season. The team recently signed loosehead prop Faka’osi Pifeleti and expects Georgian international Zurab Zhvania to return after an injury last season. These players will compete for playing time during preseason training camp.

As preparations continue for the new season, Chicago Hounds have introduced a promotion allowing fans to lock-in their season ticket prices indefinitely. With revamped benefits and eight home games scheduled, it presents an opportunity that fans are encouraged not to miss.