The Chicago Hounds—the local rugby team co-owned by out gay chef Art Smith—won their season opener on Feb. 15 with a 25-22 victory over the Houston Sabercats.
Replacement back Adriaan Carelse led all scorers with eight points via two penalty goals and a successful conversion kick.
In other news, Nick McCarthy—one of the few openly gay athletes in sports—recently opted for retirement from the Hounds at age 29, America’s Rugby News noted. He won five caps for the United States at scrumhalf in 2023 after departing Leinster, having previously represented Ireland. McCarthy is pursuing other interests.
The Hounds have two home games coming up—hosting the Utah Warriors at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23; and the New England Free Jacks on Sunday, March 2, at 1 p.m. Chicago plays at Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium.