US Rugby Happy Hour

American Rugby Rising

US Rugby Happy Hour, hosted by the dynamic duo of Bill Baker of American Rugby Rising and John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning, is a captivating blend of insightful rugby discussions, entertaining banter, and a celebration of the sport’s spirit. With their wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, Bill and Fitzy create an engaging space for rugby enthusiasts to connect and revel in the game’s glory. Whether delving into the latest matches or sharing anecdotes with special guests, this live show is a must-attend for anyone passionate about rugby, offering a delightful intersection of camaraderie and sports analysis. Guests have included head coaches Gary Gold, Rob Cain and Mike Friday. USA Eagles Joe Taufete’e, Greg Peterson, Kate Zackary, Hope Rogers, Christian Dyer, and Hall of Famers, Dan Lyle and Todd Clever. Major League Rugby stars Mitch Wilson, Nick Civetta, Connor Mooneyham and former MLR Commissioner, George Killebrew. Those covering the news too, including Brian Ray of Americas Rugby News and Wendy Young of YSC Rugby.  Join us live on Facebook and Youtube (show days and times vary), or catch the Podcast replays right here! Follow @AmerRugbyRising on Twitter and @AmericanRugbyRising on Instagram for weekly guest announcements and direct link to the live shows. HOSTS: Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising and Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world.  http://www.americanrugbyrising.com eaglesoverseas@comcast.net John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. John@rugbymorning.com http://www.rugbymorning.com

  1. 3d ago

    USA Men's Eagles Face Eddie Jones & Japan in Pacific Nations Cup Showcase

    Hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick break down the USA Men’s Eagles roster as they prepare for a high-stakes test match against Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup. Facing a fast-paced Japanese side coached by Eddie Jones, the panel examines the challenges ahead following last year’s 47-21 defeat in Sacramento. The episode sets up the key focal points for Scott Lawrence’s squad, including the battle upfront, midfield stability, and dynamic options across the backline. The hosts walk through the 23-man squad, highlighting Chicago Hounds continuity in the halfbacks, veteran bench leadership from Sam Golla, and exciting young talent like Noah Brown and Julian Roberts. They also discuss missing overseas key figures like AJ MacGinty, depth across the back row, and setting target performance standards as the Eagles continue building toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & International Rugby Weekend Preview 01:54 - Recapping Last Year’s Loss & The Eddie Jones Factor 03:57 - Eagles Backline & Chicago Hounds Continuity 05:09 - Reserve Backs & Bench Impact 07:16 - Missing Internationals & Overseas Player Availability 12:05 - Forward Pack, Scrum Battle, and Breakdown Discipline 18:42 - Performance Goals: Targets & Raising the Floor Links & Resources: Official USA Eagles Website: https://eagles.rugby Support US Rugby Happy Hour / American Rugby Rising: https://www.americanrugbyrising.com —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/zo3gvigOpUs Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world.  http://www.americanrugbyrising.com⁠ ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. johndaniel.fitzpatrick@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    USA Men's Eagles Face Eddie Jones & Japan in Pacific Nations Cup Showcase
  2. 3d ago

    The National Maul - Honoring 9/11 & High-Stakes International Rugby

    On this edition of US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick reflect on rugby’s deeply poignant connection to 9/11, honoring heroes like Mark Bingham, Jeremy Glick, and Rick Rescorla. The conversation kicks off with our signature introduction jingle, "Use it or lose it all—time for The National Maul with Martin Pengelly!" setting the stage for a deeply reflective yet expansive conversation on the game's cultural footprint. Martin details his research into historical rugby newsletters and discusses his conversation with World Rugby's Alan Gilpin regarding bringing major international fixtures—including potential Six Nations matches—to North American soil. The panel also weighs in on the logistics of hosting the All Blacks and Springboks in Baltimore, the current health of Major League Rugby, and favorite rugby-themed movies. Tune in for a blend of poignant history, high-level sports administration analysis, and rugby banter. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Rugby Preview 02:14 - The National Maul Intro Jingle 03:00 - Rugby's Connection to 9/11 & Untold Stories 09:22 - World Rugby's Expansion & Bringing Six Nations to the US 16:35 - High-Stakes Logistics: All Blacks vs. Springboks in Baltimore 19:27 - The State of USA Rugby & Major League Rugby 25:10 - Documentary "Brothers on Three" & Favorite Rugby Movies Links & Resources: Read The National Maul Substack: https://thenationalmaul.substack.com Read Martin Pengelly on The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/martinpengelly Support US Rugby Happy Hour / American Rugby Rising: https://www.americanrugbyrising.com #Rugby #USARugby #RugbyWorldCup #911Remembrance #AllBlacks #Springboks #SixNationRugby #MLR #USRugbyHappyHour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The National Maul - Honoring 9/11 & High-Stakes International Rugby
  3. Sep 3

    Rivalry Heat & Grassroots Explosions - Martin Pengelly & Rugby Riot's Zach Bateman

    Martin Pengelly returns with his popular segment The National Maul to debate whether the historic Springboks vs. All Blacks match in Baltimore truly deserves the title of "rugby's greatest rivalry". Martin takes us down memory lane with high school battle stories and dives into MLR player overseas developmental moves. Later in the show, the heavy-hitting intro jingle ushers in Zach Bateman from Rugby Riot. Zach shares how his media movement is spotlighting the next generation of American talent and breaking big news about the upcoming American Club Series. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Catch-up 02:01 - The National Maul with Martin Pengelly: Rugby as a Martial Sport 08:24 - MLR Updates & Overseas Player Subsidies 12:44 - Springboks vs. All Blacks & Historic Rivalries 17:00 - Martin’s High School Rugby Stories 21:32 - Introducing Zach Bateman & Rugby Riot 24:30 - Shining a Spotlight on High School Rugby & Content Creation 29:40 - High School Rankings Algorithm & Hotspots 42:50 - Football Crossover Athletes in High School Rugby 48:20 - Breaking News: The American Club Series Showcase Links & Resources: Subscribe to The National Maul Substack: https://thenationalmaul.substack.com/ Subscribe to Rugby Riot Newsletter: https://rugbyriot.com/ Check out more rugby coverage: https://americanrugbyrising.com/ #Rugby #USARugby #RugbyRiot #TheNationalMaul #HighSchoolRugby #MLR #Springboks #AllBlacks —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/D2qTa6l54tc Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world.  http://www.americanrugbyrising.com⁠ ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. johndaniel.fitzpatrick@gmail.com Martin Pengelly is a Washington-based reporter and editor. His “The National Maul” Substack about rugby in the US. His first book, Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went To War, is published by Godine. https://thenationalmaul.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Rivalry Heat & Grassroots Explosions - Martin Pengelly & Rugby Riot's Zach Bateman
  4. Aug 28

    Future Stars of American Rugby: 2026 MLR Draft Breakdown with Solomon Williams & Mario Storti

    The latest episode kicks off with our high-energy introduction jingle before diving straight into the major takeaways from the 2026 Major League Rugby Draft. We sit down with two of the draft's brightest young stars: #2 overall pick Solomon Williams out of Cal and #6 overall pick Mario Storti from Saint Mary's. Discover what it feels like to hear your name called on draft night, how these elite college programs prepare athletes for the professional ranks, and what fans in Seattle and Washington D.C. can expect from their newest playmakers. Whether you are an diehard MLR follower or looking ahead to the future of the USA Eagles on the international stage, this episode delivers a complete look at the next generation of American rugby talent. —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: * Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ * Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising * BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/D2qTa6l54tc Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. http://www.americanrugbyrising.com⁠ ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Martin Pengelly is a Washington-based reporter and editor. His “The National Maul” Substack about rugby in the US. His first book, Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went To War, is published by Godine. https://thenationalmaul.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. Aug 20

    Celebrating US Rugby Hall of Famer Alex Goff - American Pathways, Youth Growth, and the Collegiate Landscape

    Welcome back to another episode of U.S. Rugby Happy Hour, kicked off with our signature, high-energy intro jingle that gets you ready for the best rugby talk in the country. In this episode, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down with newly inducted US Rugby Foundation Hall of Famer and legendary analyst Alex Goff to discuss his storied career and the state of American rugby. Goff dives deep into the realities of high school and youth rugby development, the complexities and ongoing divide within the college game between NCR and USA Rugby/CRAA, and how international competition is shaping the future of elite pathways for both the men's and women's programs. Tune in for an insightful, unvarnished masterclass on where American rugby stands today and where it's heading on the road to 2031! Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to U.S. Rugby Happy Hour & Intro Jingle 02:10 Alex Goff's US Rugby Foundation Hall of Fame Induction 09:50 What Makes a Great American Rugby Coach 14:15 State of Youth Rugby & Regional Pathways 22:50 The College Game Divide: NCR vs. CRAA and USA Rugby 38:55 International Competition, U-20s, and Overseas Recruiting 47:55 Women's Rugby Growth and NIRA's Impact 56:30 Rapid Fire & Rugby Shirt Collection Showcase 01:20:00 Where to Find Alex Goff Online —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/D2qTa6l54tc Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world.  http://www.americanrugbyrising.com⁠ ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Martin Pengelly is a Washington-based reporter and editor. His “The National Maul” Substack about rugby in the US. His first book, Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went To War, is published by Godine. https://thenationalmaul.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Celebrating US Rugby Hall of Famer Alex Goff - American Pathways, Youth Growth, and the Collegiate Landscape
  6. Aug 7

    USA Rugby & CRAA Joint Venture: Unlocking the Future of College Rugby with Bill Goren & Paul Keeler

    Welcome back to another packed episode of U.S. Rugby Happy Hour! We kick things off celebrating Bill's Emmy win! and with our high-energy, unapologetically American intro jingle before diving into "The National Maul" segment with journalist Martin Pengelly, where we break down the latest Major League Rugby structural updates and college rugby governance. Later in the episode, we sit down with USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren and CRAA Executive Director Paul Keeler to discuss the landmark strategic partnership and joint venture between USA Rugby and the Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA). Goren and Keeler explain how this collaboration injects vital resources and financial oversight into collegiate rugby while preserving the grassroots community that built it. Tune in for an essential look at the future of the domestic game! Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to U.S. Rugby Happy Hour 01:10 Co-Hosts Catch-Up - Bill Wins an Emmy! 03:00 The National Maul with Martin Pengelly: MLR Status & College Rugby 13:19 Intro to USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren & CRAA ED Paul Keeler 15:00 The Vision Behind the USA Rugby and CRAA Joint Venture 22:30 Providing Resources, Staffing, and Financial Oversight to College Programs 31:10 Previewing the 2026–27 Postseason and National Championship Series 40:00 Preserving Grassroots Communities While Scaling High Performance Hashtags: #USARugby #CRAA #MartinPengelly #CollegeRugby #MLR #RugbyPodcast #RugbyGrowth —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: * Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ * Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising * BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/D2qTa6l54tc Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. http://www.americanrugbyrising.com⁠ ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Martin Pengelly is a Washington-based reporter and editor. His “The National Maul” Substack about rugby in the US. His first book, Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went To War, is published by Godine. https://thenationalmaul.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. Jul 24

    Unpacking the Eagles’ Progress with USA Head Coach Scott Lawrence | US Rugby Happy Hour

    Welcome back to another packed episode of U.S. Rugby Happy Hour! We kick things off with a high-energy intro featuring our proud, unapologetically American theme song. Then, we sit down for an extensive, incredibly candid conversation with USA Men's Rugby Head Coach Scott Lawrence to break down the summer test series, player development, and the path forward. Coach Lawrence opens up about the squad's performance during the recent Nations Cup, utilizing data to shape team identity, and navigating high-pressure moments using principles of stoicism. We also dive into roster updates, the impact of Major League Rugby's structural shifts, player eligibility pathways, and how the team is preparing for the grueling heat in Florida ahead of upcoming fixtures against Argentina 15s. Tune in for the most insightful breakdown of American rugby you'll hear all season! Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to U.S. Rugby Happy Hour & Intro Jingle 03:51 Interview Start: Catching up with Coach Scott Lawrence 05:05 Applying Stoicism and Process-Driven Coaching 06:23 Nations Cup Review & Playing at a Faster Pace 10:07 Programmatic Goals for July and Building Depth 15:47 Standout Players: Dominic Besag, Paddy Ryan, and More 22:23 Player Qualification Insights: Charlie Abel and Perry Mayo 31:01 Injury Updates: Corey Daniel, Kaleb Geiger, AJ McGinty, and David Ainu'u 33:10 Impact of MLR Restructuring on Domestic Talent 37:11 Looking Ahead: Training in Florida and Argentina 15s 39:00 Using Data Analytics and Storytelling in Rugby 43:46 The Moonshot Goal for American Rugby #USARugby #EaglesRugby #ScottLawrence #MLR #RugbyPodcast #rugbyanalysis —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: * Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ * Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising * BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkYbnIvt-gI&t=2s Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. http://www.americanrugbyrising.com⁠ ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Unpacking the Eagles’ Progress with USA Head Coach Scott Lawrence | US Rugby Happy Hour

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

US Rugby Happy Hour, hosted by the dynamic duo of Bill Baker of American Rugby Rising and John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning, is a captivating blend of insightful rugby discussions, entertaining banter, and a celebration of the sport’s spirit. With their wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, Bill and Fitzy create an engaging space for rugby enthusiasts to connect and revel in the game’s glory. Whether delving into the latest matches or sharing anecdotes with special guests, this live show is a must-attend for anyone passionate about rugby, offering a delightful intersection of camaraderie and sports analysis. Guests have included head coaches Gary Gold, Rob Cain and Mike Friday. USA Eagles Joe Taufete’e, Greg Peterson, Kate Zackary, Hope Rogers, Christian Dyer, and Hall of Famers, Dan Lyle and Todd Clever. Major League Rugby stars Mitch Wilson, Nick Civetta, Connor Mooneyham and former MLR Commissioner, George Killebrew. Those covering the news too, including Brian Ray of Americas Rugby News and Wendy Young of YSC Rugby.  Join us live on Facebook and Youtube (show days and times vary), or catch the Podcast replays right here! Follow @AmerRugbyRising on Twitter and @AmericanRugbyRising on Instagram for weekly guest announcements and direct link to the live shows. HOSTS: Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising and Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world.  http://www.americanrugbyrising.com eaglesoverseas@comcast.net John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. John@rugbymorning.com http://www.rugbymorning.com

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