Overview
- The Chicago Hounds beat the California Legion 35-17 at SeatGeek Stadium to win the 2026 Major League Rugby championship.
- Heavy rain on Sunday forced a forward-heavy gameplan that let Chicago dominate set pieces and collisions and score four tries.
- California was reduced at times by three yellow cards, including for Tonga Kofe and Justus Tavai, which shifted momentum and opened scoring opportunities for the Hounds.
- Chris Hilsenbeck kicked nine points from penalties and conversions and Nathan Den Hoedt, Mason Flesch, Theo Fourie, and Peyton Wall each scored tries for Chicago.
- The win capped the league’s first perfect campaign and will be celebrated by the club and owners, with minority owner Chef Art Smith planning a championship dinner for the team.