League: Major League Rugby

Founded in 2017 with it’s inaugural season played in 2018, Major League Rugby (MLR) is the highest level of professional rugby in North America.

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Willis Goodwin

Illinois native Willis Goodwin played in Major League Rugby during the 2024 season. He represented the Chicago Hounds for his entire MLR career.

A John Carroll University alum, Goodwin was signed with the New England Free Jacks in 2023 but spent the season in their academy system, and is now a graduate of the Chicago Hounds academy system, with the Hounds announcing his signing in late April 2024. He appeared in the matchday 23 for the Hounds’ 11th May clash with Old Glory DC in Round 11.

NARDB Player #1271

Jay Renton

New Zealand scrum-half Jay Renton played in Major League Rugby between 2024-2026. He represented the Houston SaberCats (2024-2025) and Old Glory DC (2026).

Renton, a former New Zealand U20s player, played rugby with the Southland Stags in New Zealand’s Bunnings NPC since 2017. The Houston SaberCats announced the signing of Renton in mid-April 2024 for the remainder of the 2024 campaign, and he earned his MLR debut as a starter against Anthem RC on 10th May 2024, during Round 11 when he was named to the MLR Team of the Week for his performance. Renton would score 1 try in 2 games (both starts) for the SaberCats in 2024, helping them to record a league-best 14-2 record during the regular season.

On 10th June 2024, the Southland Stags announced that Renton would return to the team for their 2024 season, following the conclusion of the MLR season. On December 12th, 2024, the Houston SaberCats announced that Renton would return for the team for the 2025 season. Renton became a regular in the SaberCats lineup during the 2025 season, appearing in 17 of their 19 games and all 3 of their playoff games including the 2025 Championship Game against the New England Free Jacks, coming off the bench in reserve for Andre Warner. Renton earned 7 starts in 2025, scoring a 2nd try and gaining just under 250m in possession. When the Houston SaberCats withdrew from MLR to the surprise of many, it appeared that Renton’s time in the competition had come to an end. However, following the shock departure of starting Old Glory DC scrum-half Connor Buckley on February 26th, 2026, he was announced by the Flags for their 2026 campaign the very next day.

achievements

  • MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 11

NARDB Player #1270

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2024 – RD 10: New England Free Jacks v Chicago Hounds

Eastern Conference leaders the New England Free Jacks host the 2nd placed Chicago Hounds in a clash at the top of the east.

The visiting Chicago Hounds put together an impressive performance to cement themselves as real contenders for the Eastern Conference, defeating the reigning champions in their own back yard, 20-26.

All-time MLR leading try scorer Dylan Fawsitt scored his 48th try, and Maclean Jones bagged a pair as the Hounds took this one by 6. They weren’t able to secure the Try BP however, and the Free Jacks salvage a losing BP but only scored 3 tries of their own, including a pair from Paula Balekana.

The Free Jacks still lead the East, but it might not be as much of a walkover as it once appeared…

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