New York native Mike Matarazzo played in Major League Rugby between 2021-2024. He represented Rugby ATL (now LA Rugby) (2021), Dallas Jackals (2022), and the Chicago Hounds (2023-2024).
A University of Notre Dame alum, Matarazzo was drafted 8th overall in MLR’s inaugural Collegiate Draft in 2020, by Rugby ATL (now LA Rugby). He earned his MLR debut for the RATLers, starting in the final week of the 2021 regular season. Matarazzo spent his sophomore season with the Dallas Jackals for their inaugural MLR season in 2022, starting 13 of his career-best 14 games for the Texas club and scoring his first (and to date, only) MLR try.
In December 2022, the Chicago Hounds announced that they had signed Mike Matarazzo for their inaugural MLR season in 2023. Matarazzo earned a further 13 caps for the Hounds and completed over 100 tackles, earning his first MLR Team of the Week selection in Round 9. Through his first 3 seasons in MLR, he has earned 28 caps and 25 starts across 3 franchises, scoring 1 try. On 30th November 2023, the Hounds announced the return of Matarazzo for the 2024 season.
Achievements:
- MLR Team of the Week: 2023 – Round 9
- MLR Draftee: 8th Overall (1st Rd) – 2020 (Rugby ATL)