Former New Zealand U20s outside back Jordan Trainor has been retained in the starting side at fullback for Anthem Rugby Carolina’s second match of the 2026 Major League Rugby season, set to host the Chicago Hounds in Charlotte on Saturday.
Trainor, who has experience in New Zealand’s NPC and with the Blues in Super Rugby, wore the No. 15 jersey on club debut for Anthem against California Legion. Anthem secured their first-ever MLR win, winning 39-26 on the road.
The former Utah Warriors flyer joins Conner Mooneyham in the outside backs, who was the first overall pick in the inaugural MLR Draft. Mooneyham starts on one wing after impressing last time out, while Julian Roberts starts on the other edge.
Tom Pittman and Will Leonard will line up in the midfield, while off-season signing Zion Going joins experienced playmaker Luke Carty in the halves. USA Eagle Malacchi Esdale is among those looking to make an impact off the bench.
Payton Telea-ilaio starts at loosehead prop, joining Seth Smith and Alex Maughan in the front row. Will Sherman and James Scott round out the tight five as the two locks, with Scott set to face his former side after making the move from Chicago before the 2026 season..
Johan Momsen and Tesimoni Tonga’uiha are the two flakers, while Makeen Alikhan rounds out the First XV as the No. 8. Marques Fuala’au was promising off the bench against California and continues to hold a place in the reserves.
This match at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte is set to get underway at 4:00 pm local time on Saturday afternoon.
Anthem Rugby Carolina to take on Chicago Hounds
1. Payton Telea-Ilalio
2. Seth Smith
3. Alex Maughan
4. Will Sherman
5. James Scott
6. Johan Momsen
7. Tesimoni Tonga’uiha
8. Makeen Alikhan
9. Zion Going
10. Luke Carty
11. Julian Roberts
12. Tom Pittman
13. Will Leonard
14. Conner Mooneyham
15. Jordan Trainor
Replacements
16. Ramiro Gurovich
17. Alessandro Heaney
18. Oliver Kane
19. Sam Golla
20. Baden Godfrey
21. Ishma-eel Safodien
22. Marques Fuala’au
23. Malachi Esdale
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