Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds have announced a contract extension with scrumhalf Michael Baska, marking a reunion with Head Coach Chris Latham. The two previously collaborated during the 2021 season with the Utah Warriors, reaching the Western Conference Championship game.

Baska initially joined the Hounds before the 2023 season after playing in France's Pro D2 league for a year. During that season, he participated in all 16 matches, starting nine and accumulating 838 minutes on the field. He made 617 pass attempts with an 87% success rate, gained 223 meters from 39 carries, and scored five points through one try. Defensively, he completed 84 out of 107 tackle attempts.

In 2024, Baska added six more caps to his record with the Chicago Hounds while playing as both an outside back and scrumhalf. As training camp approaches, he is expected to resume his primary role as scrumhalf.

Baska began his professional career after graduating from Lindenwood University by signing with NOLA Gold for Major League Rugby's inaugural season. After two seasons there, he joined Utah in 2020. Throughout his career, Baska has earned 58 caps and started in 30 games. His passing accuracy stands at over 87%, and he has accumulated a total of eight tries.

The Chicago Hounds are preparing for the upcoming 2025 Major League Rugby season with these latest developments.