AM: What was your approach for this series as the story is multi-layered in terms of talking about rugby, MLR, the Chicago Hounds, the game in the U.S., placing it on the stage next to other countries where it’s very popular, and showing us details about the game and the passion behind it?
AD: With so many layers to the story, my approach was to always ground it in the human experience - who are these people? Rather than just presenting rugby as a sport, I wanted to showcase the people driving its growth in the U.S.—the players, coaches, and staff who are deeply invested in its success. By weaving in some historical context, the rise of MLR, and the Chicago Hounds’ journey thus far, we aimed to create a narrative that not only educates viewers about the sport but also connects them emotionally to the people behind it. The goal was to highlight rugby’s unique culture and the passion that fuels it, while also showing how the U.S. fits into the global rugby landscape and hopefully creating some heroes of the game along the way.
AM: What did you learn im this project?
AD: One of the biggest takeaways for me was just how strong and committed the rugby community is in the U.S. You are always one degree away from someone who has played rugby. Even though the sport isn’t as mainstream here as it is in other countries, this does not stop the people who are involved from being incredibly dedicated and driven to see it grow. It’s a sport that demands both mental and physical toughness well beyond what they're getting in terms of viewership, and that’s truly unique.
AM: What do you hope that viewers take away from watching this series?
AD: I hope viewers come away with a newfound love for rugby and the people who are working to build its presence in the U.S. Whether they’re longtime fans or completely new to the sport, I want them to feel the energy, passion, and sense of community that rugby fosters. Ultimately, I hope this series inspires more people to get involved—whether that’s playing, supporting a team, or simply appreciating the game on a deeper level.
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After speaking with Alex, we wanted to connect the stars of the series who play on the Chicago Hounds. We sat down with Noah Brown, Charlie Abel, and Nate Augspurger as they give us an inside view on this game and their passion for it.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with rugby and when did you realize that you wanted to play it professionally?
NOAH BROWN: I fell in love with rugby in middle school, but I only realized I wanted to play it professionally during my freshman year of college when I was selected to play with the USA u18s world school 7s team in Auckland NZ. That’s when I realized that rugby could allow me to see the world while doing something I love.
CHARLIE ABEL: I fell in love with rugby when I was about 10 years old. I had two older brothers who played and they were good, much better than me. I wanted to play with them, but also my dad didn’t want to have to take me to separate games, so he forced me to play up. So I was playing Under 12s at age 10. Later I ended up playing Under 16s when I was 12 because my brothers were 14 and 15 – again, because of my dad. I had to learn quickly to keep up, and I loved it.
NATE AUGSPURGER: I remember falling in love with it in high school. I was 14 years old. And when I started as a freshman at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, I felt like I could see myself playing at a higher level.
AM: Prior to coming to The Hounds, tell us about your rugby career.
NB: Played at Penn High School, then Western Michigan for a semester. Then Indiana University - during my time there I played u23 USA 7s and the senior national team 7s. I also played with the Chicago Lions (national champs) which was the main reason I was tied to the Hounds eventually.
CA: I played for several teams in Australia and one in France before I came to the MLR in 2021 to play with the Los Angeles Giltinis.
I started my professional career in the inaugural MLR season with the San Diego Legion in 2018. In 2016 my international career carried over from USA Rugby Sevens to USA RUGBY 15's with the Eagles. I love to compete at the highest level and strive to be in an Eagles jersey. After several successful seasons with the team out West, I had a great opportunity to move back to the Midwest with The Hounds.
AM: Tell us about the position you play.
NB: I play on the wing, usually the finishers on the field. Trusted to score tries and get up to take high balls out of the air.
CA: I play Prop – both Tighthead and Loosehead, and Hooker in an emergency if you need. A Prop usually likes the physical battle. That’s true for me. It’s all good fun.
NA: I play a position called Winger. It's a fast-paced position, a lot of running, and a winger is usually positioned on the outside, like a wide receiver in football. Scoring tries is a part of the job description.
AM: What is an average week like in terms of working out to prepare for your next rugby match?
NB: On an average week I have team trainings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, with rehab/prehab early in the morning then gym sessions later in the day. Then often I’ll do mobility work after the training day has ended.
CA: We do 3 gyms sessions a week, 3 field sessions, a recovery day. And then I do heaps of (physical therapy) treatment because I’m getting old (a youthful 33).
NA: Generally, there is a lower physical intensity with a mental focus approach early in the week. Recovery and treatment offered through the week, as well as chiropractic two times a week. We will have daily gym sessions and meetings to start off a given day. We raise the physical intensity in the middle part of the week. Much more running, training, and competing. The day before the game there is rehearsal time. Gameday is the best day of the week, say your prayers and go as hard as you can.
AM: On game day, do you have any routines that you do in preparation for the match?
NB: I just review my journal in which I have goals that are aspirations for the match. I say them to myself 3 times in a row.
CA: I do. I have lots. My gameday routine really kicks in when I get to the stadium. I’ll have a shower, a cheeky cold shower. I have to get my ankles strapped (i.e. taped) by Sam (Lead Athletic Trainer Samantha Malette). It has to be Sam. She’ll do ankles, left then right, always in that order. Then she tapes heat pads onto my back. Then I apply heat cream all over my entire body. It’s basically bath of heat cream, so my whole body is boiling. I’ll have some snacks, like gummy lollies and an energy beverage. Then I put my stuff on: left sock, left shoe, right sock, right shoe, fold the left sock down, fold the right sock down. Shorts, then I tape my wrists and thumbs – right first, then left. Lately I’ve been adding a nose strip. I think it helps.
NA: I do 20 minutes mobility. 20 minutes activation. 8 minutes speed mechanics (pre game warm up). I say my prayers in the morning. Sometimes I'll have music on and I try to have a smile when I greet my teammates, front office, stadium staff etc.
AM: What routines do you do to come down from all the energy that you had on the field?
NB: After a match the best way to come down for me is to get around the fellas and have a few beers.
CA: I don’t do anything after a game except a little celebration.
NA: I like to go home, put on my pjs and be with my wife and my dogs on the couch.
