
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by 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. 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. John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.
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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 —————————————— 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
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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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
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
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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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
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
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
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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. 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. John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.
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