By Aaron Wilson
For LaRome White, a Wednesday night road match against the Chicago Hounds represents a fun, full-circle moment.
The Houston SaberCats’ veteran prop was acquired in a trade from the Hounds last year in exchange for salary-cap considerations.
That was his second stint with the Major League Rugby squad, and now he’s back with the SaberCats for the second year in a row as a key contributor to a playoff team that has clinched another postseason appearance.
“I have some friends still on the Chicago team, and it’s always a good match,” White said. “We’re trying to build this rivalry. I’m feeling it and I’m pumped for it. I want to give Chicago a good show and show them what they’re missing. This is a huge game for me. It’s kind of a revenge game.”
White, 30, provides a big, athletic presence at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds.
Previously with the Seattle Seawolves in 2018 and winning a Major League Rugby shield and the Austin Gilgronis from 2019 to 2022, White played two seasons for the Hounds before joining the SaberCats for one season. He returned to Chicago prior to being traded to Houston.
This is his seventh season in Major League Rugby.
“I grew up in this league,” White said.
White is a versatile player capable of scoring tries or piling up tackles and meters.
He’s a former defensive end who switched to rugby. He played football since he was six years old.
“I think the aggression of football helped transfer over,” White said. “At the beginning, I was just learning the rules and getting used to the running. I was always on defense. I grew up tackling and being aggressive on the field. That helped me be successful.”
White went to South Africa to train at the Sharks Academy to accelerate his knowledge of rugby.
This has been a strong season for White.
“Individually, I’ve been really impressed with my season,” White said. “I’m very confident. I’m really excited for the playoffs and trying to get the shield. This is the last year of my contract. Hopefully, I’ll be looking to re-sign and keep that winning going.”
