Ollie Devoto, the England center, will end his decorated rugby career on Sunday as his Chicago Hounds face the California Legion in the Major League Rugby (MLR) championship game at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The Hounds are seeking their first MLR title after an undefeated regular season.
Devoto's journey to Chicago
Devoto, who previously played for Bath, Exeter, and England, joined the Hounds for the 2025 MLR season after recovering from hip surgeries. He initially considered retirement but found a new opportunity when Hounds CEO James English contacted him. "I just couldn't think of a better way to end my career than with that special group," Devoto said.
Chicago Hounds' dominant season
The Hounds have been dominant, winning all 10 regular-season games and then defeating Old Glory DC in the playoffs. They host the championship as heavy favorites, with average crowds of 4,000 to 5,000 but potential for over 10,000 fans. Devoto praised the team's facilities, calling them "as good, if not better, than when I was at the Chiefs."
Development of American talent
Devoto highlighted the growth of young American players like Peyton Wall and Noah Brown from Indiana, who have "come on leaps and bounds" under his mentorship. He noted that the MLR and American rugby have "potential ... to grow massively" but that the US hasn't "nailed rugby yet."
Championship matchup
The Hounds face a California Legion team that has survived a nomadic season under CEO Adam Freier, a former Wallabies hooker. The Hounds are bolstered by Canadian players Lucas Rumball, Mason Flesch, and Matthew Orowu. The championship game kicks off at 8pm ET Sunday on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Devoto's future plans
After the game, Devoto will return to Britain with his family, having studied to be a surveyor. He remains open to opportunities, including in rugby, saying, "The people are what I'll miss. The aim is to get something close to that kind of environment where you're part of something that's much bigger than yourself."
