Chicago City Wire

Chicago Hounds Head Coach Chris Latham has announced the roster for the Week 10 matchup against the Seattle Seawolves. After a win against Carolina last Sunday, Latham made substantial changes to the lineup.

Four players will make their first starts of the season, including two debutants. Second-round draft pick Jake Kinneeveauk may make his Major League Rugby (MLR) debut. The team will be without key players like Dylan Fawsitt, Mason Flesch, Maclean Jones, and Ollie Devoto.

Latham, along with Forwards Coach Todd Dammers, introduced five changes in the starting forward pack, notably shifting captain Lucas Rumball from No. 8 to openside flanker. Janus Venter returns as hooker for the first time since a Week Four win. Charlie Abel, a late scratch last week, is back in the lineup.

The second row remains unchanged, with James Scott and Hamish Bain pairing for their eighth start of the season. Significant changes are made in the backrow as Luke White begins his first game this season from the blindside flanker spot. Matt Oworu, a Canadian international, starts at No. 8, marking his first MLR start.

For the first time this season, Mitch Short is out of the No. 9 position as Michael Baska steps in for his season debut as starting scrumhalf. Baska previously played as a wing but has been training for both positions. Meanwhile, Tim Swiel is set to play at flyhalf after missing four weeks following the season opener.

The midfield also sees changes. Ollie Devoto, one of the standout players, is rested with Noah Flesch stepping in to join Bryce Campbell at midfield. Noah Brown returns to the right wing, and Mark O’Keeffe covers the left.

Michael Hand II will make his second start at fullback after a strong performance against the Anthem. In the reserves, Liam Fletcher, Jackson Zabierek, and Ignacio Peculo will be on front row relief. Brad Tucker has the chance to make his season debut from the bench, alongside Conall Boomer, Jason Higgins, and Chris Hilsenbeck.

Second-round pick Jake Kinneeveauk could play his first MLR game. The Alaskan-native has impressed recently.

Chicago enters the match with a six-game win streak, while Seattle had a bye last weekend. The Seawolves previously played Old Glory DC, with a 29-12 defeat. The last clash between these teams happened in Week Five of the 2024 season, a match won by Seattle.

The match kicks off at 9:30 PM Central Time on Friday at Starfire Stadium, Tukwila, Washington. Fans can watch live on Fox Chicago+ and ESPN+, with international streaming available on the Rugby Network.