IrelandUS-born Irish winger Michael Hand played in Major League Rugby during the 2024 season. He represented the Chicago Hounds for his entire MLR career.
Born in Connecticut, Hand grew up in Ireland and was an All-Ireland Champion Medalist for three consecutive years in the 4×100 relay, while also playing rugby. He attended UC Cork between 2019-2023 and spent some time at Baylor University in Utah as an exchange student. Upon graduation, Hand played for Cork Constitution in Division 1A of the All-Ireland League.
On 19th December 2023, the Chicago Hounds announced the signing of Michael Hand ahead of the 2024 MLR season. On 18th April 2024, the Chicago Hounds announced that they had loaned Hand to the Miami Sharks on a 4-week deal, that became the length of the season. Hand earned 8 MLR appearances for the Sharks, starting 6 times and scoring 3 tries before returning to the Hounds. On October 21st, 2024, the Chicago Hounds announced the return of Michael Hand for the 2025 MLR season.