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'Next stop Chicago': New MLR franchise announces another star signing
By Finn Morton
Major League Rugby’s newest franchise the Chicago Hounds have announced the signing of a former Melbourne Rebels star, as they continue to add more firepower to their already star-studded roster.
Two-time MLR Back of the Year Billy Meakes is the latest big name signing to be announced by the league’s 12th franchise, ahead of their maiden campaign next year.
Meakes made his American rugby debut in 2021 as a foundation player with the LA Giltinis, alongside former Wallaby greats Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
The former Western Force and Melbourne Rebels back played a starring role in the Giltinis’ charge towards the championship, having been named Back of the Year after his debut season.
While the Giltinis failed in their quest to go back-to-back earlier this year, Meakes was able to replicate his individual brilliance – arguably playing better than he did the season before.
Meakes, who has played 27 MLR games, led the league for metres gained and was second for defenders beaten.
The Hounds have already announced the signings of some quality players, including USA Eagles centre Bryce Campbell who could potentially line-up in the midfield alongside the Australian.
Chicago made the announced on their social media pages on Sunday, and Meakes shared the news himself a couple of hours later.
“Cat’s out the bag,” Meakes wrote on Instagram. “Next stop Chicago!”
Meakes’ journey to Major League Rugby is a unique story of perseverance and passion, having played the sport he loves in three different countries.
After playing Shute Shield rugby in Sydney, the centre moved to England where he played for Gloucester, before returning to Australian shores.
Meakes played for both the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, and later returned to the UK with London Irish.
But the 31-year-old has seemingly found a home in MLR, having played some of his best rugby with the LA-based franchise.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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