Chicago Hounds Extend Mark O’Keeffe Through 2026

The Chicago Hounds have announced the contract extension of veteran wing Mark O’Keeffe, securing him through the 2026 Major League Rugby (MLR) season. Currently touring with the US Eagles for fall internationals, O’Keeffe is set to enter his eighth MLR season and fourth with Chicago.

Originally drafted by the Hounds in the 2022 MLR Dispersal Draft, O’Keeffe officially joined the team on December 16, 2022. Over three seasons, he has made 37 appearances (27 starts), totaling 1,667 meters on 192 carries — an average of 8.6 meters per carry. His stats also include 13 clean breaks, 86 defenders beaten, and six tries for 30 points, alongside 156 tackles completed out of 183 attempts.

During the most recent season, O’Keeffe appeared in 12 games, starting 7, for 514 minutes. He beat 18 defenders on 37 carries, averaging over six meters per carry, continuing his solid form after making his international test debut last November.

Before joining Chicago, O’Keeffe played for Austin, Atlanta, and New York. His standout 2022 season with Austin earned him First-Team All-MLR honors, thanks to over 1,200 meters gained and eight tries, including three seven-pointers, for a career-high 46 points. The year prior, with Atlanta, he was named to the Second-Team All-MLR, helping the squad reach the MLR Championship Final against Los Angeles.

O’Keeffe began his professional journey in 2019 with Rugby United New York, spending two seasons there. Over his MLR career, he has accumulated 83 appearances (69 starts), 138 points from 26 tries, 4,773 meters on 484 carries (9.9 meters per carry), 42 clean breaks, 186 defenders beaten, and 442 tackles completed out of 524 attempts.

The extension underscores the Hounds’ commitment to building around experienced, consistent performers as they prepare for future MLR campaigns.