Sports
Jun 20, 2026
Ollie Devoto on Retirement and MLR Title Hopes with Chicago Hounds
England and Exeter center Ollie Devoto is set to retire with the Chicago Hounds, seeking their firs…
The Road to Retirement
Ollie Devoto, the England and Exeter center, is set to end his career with the Chicago Hounds on Sunday, as they seek to win the first Major League Rugby crown. Devoto, who arrived in Illinois for the 2025 MLR season, has had a successful career, including Premiership and European titles with Exeter and two caps for England.
Chicago Hounds' Championship Hopes
The Hounds have had an impressive season, winning all 10 regular-season games and putting a half-century on Old Glory DC in the playoffs. They will start as heavy favorites in the championship game, hosted at their SeatGeek Stadium home in Bridgeview, Chicago. Devoto expressed his excitement about the game, saying, "It'll be a special day for the team and it'll be a special day personally as well."
The Data Analysis
10 regular-season games won by the Chicago Hounds
Average crowds of 4,000 to 5,000 at SeatGeek Stadium
Over 10,000 spectators have watched a championship game at the stadium before
The Impact Analysis
Devoto believes that the MLR and American rugby as a whole have the potential to grow massively. He notes that Americans love combat sports, but for some reason, they haven't quite nailed rugby yet. The US hosting the 2031 men's World Cup and 2033 women's World Cup could be a significant step in the growth of the sport.
The Prediction
Devoto's Chicago Hounds will face the California Legion in the championship game. He expressed his admiration for the team's setup and facilities, saying, "The setup and the facilities that Chicago has are as good, if not better, than when I was at the Chiefs." With their strong performance this season, the Hounds are likely to be a competitive force in the league for years to come.
#Ollie Devoto
#Chicago Hounds
#Major League Rugby
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