Ron Estrada Director of Outreach and Development | LinkedIn
Ron Estrada Director of Outreach and Development | LinkedIn
The Hounds have announced the signing of two players for the 2025 Major League Rugby season. Veteran flyhalf Chris Hilsenbeck and lock Jonah Dietenberger will join the team as it prepares for the upcoming season.
Hilsenbeck, who was born in California and has played for the German national team, comes to Chicago after spending last season with Biarritz in France's Pro D2 league. He has had an extensive career in French rugby, starting with Colomiers before the 2013 season, where he made 54 appearances. Later, he joined Vannes, making 122 appearances over five seasons. Hilsenbeck also played for Carcassonne and briefly with Rugby Atlanta during the 2023 Major League Rugby season. With Rugby Atlanta, he played four games and contributed significantly both offensively and defensively.
Jonah Dietenberger was drafted by San Diego Legion as the fifth overall pick in the 2021 MLR Draft. The Lindenwood University graduate appeared in two games during his rookie year with San Diego before being traded to Utah Warriors prior to the 2023 campaign. During his time with Utah, he appeared in several matches across two seasons.
The Hounds' new season begins this Saturday against Houston's Sabercats at Sabercats Stadium. Fans can catch the game live on Fox Chicago+ or stream it on ESPN+.
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