California born test capped German fly-half Chris Hilsenbeck played in Major League Rugby in 2023 , and again in 2025. He represented Rugby ATL (2023) and the Chicago Hounds (2025).

Prior to his move to MLR, Hilsenbeck had spent his entire professional career playing in France in the Pro D2, mainly with Vannes where he had over well over 100 appearances, and over 800pts. Rugby ATL announced the signing of then-31yo Hilsenbeck on May 17th, 2023 for the remainder of the season, joining from US Carcassonne. Hilsenbeck started all 4 of his appearances for Rugby ATL in 2023, kicking 11pts and going 5/7 from the tee. Following the 2023 season, and news that Rugby ATL had changed ownership and would be relocating, Hilsenbeck returned to Europe and the ProD2, where he joined Biarritz.

On February 9th, 2025, 1 week before the MLR season kicked off, the agency representing Chris Hilsenbeck, KHAOS Sports, announced that US-eligible Hilsenbeck had signed with the Chicago Hounds for the 2025 MLR season. Hilsenbeck stepped up in a huge way for the Hounds in the 2025 season, starting 12 of his 15 games and scoring 1 try and 109pts in total. He started both of Chicago’s postseason games including their Eastern Conference Final clash with the New England Free Jacks, were he had an opportunity to win the game in the final minute, but his penalty kick rang off the upright in Quincy, and the Free Jacks knocked the Chicago Hounds out by a score of 21-20. Hilsenbeck earned two Team of the Week selections in 2025 and finished as the Top Scorer of the 2025 MLR season, and was the only player to finish with over 100pts scored. For his performance in 2025, Hilsenbeck was named to the All-MLR 1st XV.

Although capped for Germany, US-born Hilsenbeck was included in the USA Eagles squad for their 2025 July tests, and earned his debut as Eagle #590 when he came off the bench in a 36-17 victory over Belgium on July 5th, 2025.

achievements

• 2025 All-MLR First XV Selection
• MLR Team of the Week: 2025 – Rd 16
• MLR Team of the Week: 2025 – Rd 5