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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Données mises à jour le 29/09/2026
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Eagles Overseas: Big Wins and Debut Starts - Sept. 23-27, 2026
lundi 28 septembre 2026 • Durée 04:12
In this episode of Eagles Overseas with Bill Baker, we recap match results and individual player performances from our USA Eagles across the globe, from matches played Sept. 23-27, 2026
Featured players in this episode:
Lotte Sharp (Left Wing / Saracens - Next Gen Series)
Tess Feury (Full back / Leicester Tigers - Next Gen Cup)
Nick James (Loosehead Prop / Sale Sharks - Next Gen)
Nafi Ma’afu (Reserve / Montauban - ProD2)
AJ MacGinty (Fly half / Bristol Bears - Gallagher PREM Rugby)
Jack Iscaro (Reserve / Paris - Top14)
Jake Turnbull (Loosehead Prop / Wellington Lions - Hilux NPC)
Finn Love (Left Wing / Cornish Pirates - Champ Rugby)
Ale Heaney (Loosehead Prop / Cornish Pirates - Champ Rugby)
Tomi Agbongbob (Number 8 / Cornish Pirates - Champ Rugby)
Aidan King (Openside Flanker / Doncaster Knights - Champ Rugby)
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USA U20 Assistant Coach Marcel Brache on Junior World Championship & Developing US Rugby Pathways
jeudi 24 septembre 2026 • Durée 53:38
Former USA Eagle #503 and San Diego Legion standout Marcel Brache joins the show to share his journey from international play to coaching the next generation of American talent. Brache reflects on his recent experience as Assistant Coach for the USA Men’s U20 team at the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia. He breaks down the squad’s resilient second-half performance against Uruguay, the fine margins separating American players from Tier 1 nations, and why exposure to top-tier competition is critical for building domestic pathways.
Beyond high-performance rugby, Marcel dives into the grass-roots movement that makes California a hotbed for youth rugby. He discusses parent involvement, the importance of flag rugby for kids, and how nurturing passion, coaching education, and referee development will dictate the future growth of the sport in the United States.
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/
Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky
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National Maul Edition: Comeback Victories, Classic Rivalries, and American Rugby Personalities
mercredi 23 septembre 2026 • Durée 25:16
Get ready for an energetic session on US Rugby Happy Hour’s National Maul edition!
Guest columnist Martin Pengelly breaks down an action-packed slate of rugby action, contrasting the USA Men’s frustrating loss against Canada with the USA Women’s heroic second-half comeback victory over Ireland. We discuss smart bench management, reflect on the electric atmosphere and 68,000-strong crowd at the All Blacks vs. Springboks match in Baltimore, and dissect what it really takes to grow and "Americanize" rugby leading up to the upcoming World Cups. Plus, Martin teases his upcoming Guardian interview with Eagle Georgie Perris-Redding ahead of their match with Wales. Tune in for expert analysis, pitchside war stories, and an honest look at the state of American rugby!
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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!
Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7
Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0
Youtube: https://youtu.be/lPlb_zUNJmk
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
Eagles Overseas: Sharp Scores Twice in PWR Next Gen Debut
lundi 21 septembre 2026 • Durée 03:53
It was a big weekend of rugby from Friday through Sunday across France, New Zealand, and England. From debuts in Champ Rugby to multi-try performances in the PWR Next Gen Cup, here is the full breakdown of how American players fared abroad.
Charlie Abel (Tighthead Prop / Oyonnax - ProD2)
Nafi Ma’afu (Number 8 / Montauban - ProD2)
Jake Turnbull (Loosehead Prop / Wellington Lions - Hilux NPC)
Aidan King (Openside Flanker / Doncaster Knights - Champ Rugby)
Lotte Sharp (Left Wing / Saracens - PWR Next Gen Cup)
Nick James (Tighthead Prop / Sale Sharks - PWR Next Gen Cup)
Tess Feury (Fullback / Leicester Tigers - PWR Next Gen Cup)
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Inside USA Women’s Rugby with Head Coach Jack Hanratty
jeudi 17 septembre 2026 • Durée 52:56
Welcome back to another exciting episode of US Rugby Happy Hour! Kick starting the show with our signature customized, quirky intro jingle teasing Jack Hanratty's Irish adventures—complete with Guinness factory stairs and chasing deer in Phoenix Park—hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down for a fun, candid chat with the USA Women's Rugby Head Coach. Returning for his fourth appearance on the podcast, Jack opens up about bringing the USA Women’s squad to train in Dublin at his hometown club in Skerries, blending local team-building activities, community outreach, and learning how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness.
In this deep-dive interview, Coach Hanratty reflects on his evolving coaching philosophy as he navigates the unique background of the American athlete, managing a mix of collegiate, 7s, domestic, and overseas talent. He shares insights into strategic preparation for their WXV campaign opener against an in-form Irish side, the transition and trialing of the 4.5 size rugby ball, and squad selection dynamics ahead of test matches in Europe and on home soil. Additionally, Jack discusses the essential synergy between the USA 15s and 7s programs alongside head coach Emily Bydwell, building national depth, and expanding opportunities for domestic players. Tune in for a passionate, insight-packed masterclass on where USA Eagles rugby is heading!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Welcome
00:54 - Show Intro Song & Jack Hanratty Returns
02:55 - Home Coming: Eagles Training at Skerries Rugby Club
06:38 - Team Building, Guinness Pours & Irish Folklore
08:35 - Adapting Coaching Style to the American Athlete
11:08 - Preparing for Ireland & Studying European Momentum
17:00 - Looking Ahead to Wales at Cardiff Arms Park
18:22 - International Match Calendars & Building Player Continuity
22:45 - Trialing the New 4.5 Size Rugby Ball
25:10 - Excitement for Upcoming USA Home Soil Matches
29:10 - Squad Selection Breakdown vs Ireland & Uncapped Talent
37:56 - Encouraging Overseas Competition vs Domestic Pathways
42:35 - Synergy Between USA 15s and 7s Programs
47:01 - Go-To Post-Match Irish Celebratory Meal & Wrap Up
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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!
Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7
Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0
Youtube: https://youtu.be/lPlb_zUNJmk
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
Eagles Overseas: ProD2, Top 14, Premiership Cup & NPC
lundi 14 septembre 2026 • Durée 04:37
Welcome to US Rugby Happy Hour BONUS Segment: Eagles Overseas, We are tracking American rugby players competing across top-flight leagues and developmental setups across the globe.
Today, we break down action from this past weekend, September 11-14, 2026.
Player Performance Breakdown:
Nafi Ma’afu (Montauban - ProD2)
Kapeli Pifeleti (Provence Rugby - ProD2)
Charlie Abel (Oyonnax - ProD2)
Jack Iscaro (Stade Français Paris - Top 14)
AJ MacGinty (Bristol Bears - Premiership Cup)
Jake Turnbull (Wellington Lions - NPC)
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USA Men's Eagles Face Eddie Jones & Japan in Pacific Nations Cup Showcase
jeudi 10 septembre 2026 • Durée 24:24
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
The National Maul - Honoring 9/11 & High-Stakes International Rugby
jeudi 10 septembre 2026 • Durée 32:43
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
Eagles Overseas: Season debuts in France, PREM Cup action in England, and a battle down in New Zealand’s NPC
mardi 8 septembre 2026 • Durée 05:31
Welcome to US Rugby Happy Hour BONUS Segment: Eagles Overseas, We are tracking American rugby players competing across top-flight leagues and developmental setups across the globe.
Today, we break down action from this past weekend, September 4-7, 2026.
Player Performance Breakdown
1. Nafi Ma’afu (Lock | US Montauban – ProD2)
2. AJ MacGinty (Flyhalf | Bristol Bears – Gallagher PREM Cup)
3. Jake Turnbull (Prop | Wellington Lions – Hilux NPC)
4. Charlie Abel (Prop | Oyonnax – ProD2)
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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