US-born Irish winger Michael Hand played in Major League Rugby between 2024-2026. He represented the Miami Sharks on loan from the Chicago Hounds in 2024, the Hounds themselves (2025), and the Seattle Seawolves (2026).

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 where he added a 4th MLR try and started all 5 of his appearances with the Hounds that year and earned his first MLR Team of the Week selection following his performance in Round 3. Hand gained a career high 310m in possession that season to pass 500m gained in his 13 game MLR career over 2 seasons.

On 12th February 2026, the Seattle Seawolves announced that they had added Michael Hand to their squad for the 2026 campaign, marking Hand’s 3rd in the competition.

achievements

• MLR Team of the Week: 2025 – Rd 3