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US Rugby Happy Hour

US Rugby Happy Hour

Written by: American Rugby Rising
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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. 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.comCopyright 2026 All rights reserved. Politics & Government Rugby
Episodes
  • MLR Finals Return to Chicago: A Weekend of Rugby, Community, and Growth

    MLR Finals Return to Chicago: A Weekend of Rugby, Community, and Growth
    Jun 12 2026
    Join us for an exclusive, high-energy breakdown of the upcoming Major League Rugby Finals returning to Chicago this June! First, on this week's National Maul segment with Martin Pengelly, Martin looks back at least week's National Maul newsletter interview with Alex Magleby, a 2026 season review, and what does he have planned for this week? Possibly profiling USA Eagle, Dylan Audsley and his social media ventures with Culture RFC? We'll see! Then, we’re joined by our frequent guest, Mags, who gives us the inside scoop on the decision to bring the championship back to the Windy City, the electric atmosphere fans can expect, and the full slate of festivities—from the Navy Pier fan event to the Supporter Advisory Council’s inaugural meeting. We also kick off the episode with a standout intro jingle that you’re going to love as much as we do. Whether you're a die-hard MLR follower or a casual sports fan curious about the best rugby action in the U.S., this episode is packed with everything you need to know. We dive into the "Punt, Pass, Post, Push" competition, the exciting musical lineup featuring Flatfoot 56, and why this weekend is the ultimate Father’s Day experience. Don't miss out on our candid conversation about the state of the league, expansion plans, and why the 2026 season has been the most competitive one yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Unleashing the Dogs: The 61-Man USA Eagles Roster & Media Growth with Martin Pengelly

    Unleashing the Dogs: The 61-Man USA Eagles Roster & Media Growth with Martin Pengelly
    May 29 2026
    Get ready to rumble as the US Rugby Happy Hour kicks off with a retro flair, dropping a brand-new, 1980s TV-show-inspired introduction jingle that sets a high-energy tone for an jam-packed episode. Co-hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down with veteran rugby journalist Martin Pengelly, author of The National Maul Substack. Pengelly lends his sharp perspective to the evolution of American rugby media, sharing elite-level stories from his 25-year career—including walking the streets of Manhattan with the All Blacks and chasing down answers from the game's most memorable loose cannons. The heat turns all the way up in the second half of the show as Bill and Fitzy dissect the massive, newly released 55+6 extended training roster for the USA Men's Eagles. With fewer than 500 days until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the race is officially on to see which 33 players will secure a spot on the plane. From dominant Major League Rugby vets like Paul Mullen and Kaleb Geiger to electrifying overseas prospects like fullback Perry Mayo, the guys map out the position battles, tactical pairings, and the "brash, aggressive American edge" needed to shock the international stage this summer. Turn it up and tease your rugby appetite before the July test matches arrive! —————————————— 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 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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    48 mins
  • American Rugby Insights & The Power of Seaweed | Feat. Martin Pengelly & Paul Mullen

    American Rugby Insights & The Power of Seaweed | Feat. Martin Pengelly & Paul Mullen
    May 22 2026
    Join us for a unique "Happy Hour" as we explore the intersection of American rugby culture and the secrets of the sea. We kick things off with a custom introduction song that left our guest speechless, before diving into an engaging conversation with writer Martin Pengelly in our new segment, "The National Maul" about his "The National Maul" Substack, his passion for rugby writing, and his fascinating background covering American politics for The Guardian. In the second half of the show, we’re joined by Major League Rugby veteran and marine engineer Paul Mullen to talk about Old Glory DC's playoff rubn. We move from the rugby pitch to the coast to discuss his roots in the Aran Islands and his innovative work using seaweed as a powerful bio-stimulant for crops. Tune in for a blend of insightful commentary, sports anecdotes, and practical gardening wisdom! —————————————— 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 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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    50 mins
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