From Olympic Bronze to Parisian Rings: The Unstoppable Alev Kelter

In this high-energy episode of US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick welcome one of the most decorated and versatile athletes in American rugby: triple-Olympian and USA Eagle #256, Alev Kelter. Alev opens up about her remarkable journey from the elite ice rinks and soccer fields of Alaska to the global rugby stage, sharing the deeply personal story of how a devastating "no" from the Olympic hockey team eventually led her to find "home" and healing within the rugby community. She explores the unique ethos of the sport that values the person as much as the player, and why she believes her transition to rugby was ultimately about discovering her true purpose through the strength of those around her.

The conversation dives deep into the "Cinderella story" of the Paris 2024 Olympics, reliving the heart-pounding final seconds of the bronze medal victory over Australia and the surreal experience of hearing 70,000 fans chanting "USA" in the Stade de France. Beyond the pitch, Alev teases the details of her romantic post-Olympic engagement at a Parisian art museum, her "Alaskan royalty" welcome back home at the airport, and her current chapter playing for Loughborough Lightning in England's elite Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR). From her competitive "fire and ice" upbringing with her twin sister to her cryptic "never say never" stance on a potential future run at the Winter Olympics, this is a candid look at a master of many trades who is still brewing something special.

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This week, US Rugby Happy Hour welcomes newly capped USA Eagle Nafi Ma'afu (Eagle #597) for a candid conversation about finally achieving his lifelong goal. After years of anticipation from USA rugby fans, the Top 14 forward—who is currently playing with Montauban in France after stints with Perpignan and Grenoble—details his remarkable journey from high school rugby in Phoenix, Arizona, to the elite level of French club rugby. Hear the intense emotions he felt making his debut against Georgia, from walking out through the smoke to hearing the national anthem for the very first time as an Eagle.

The road to representing his country was paved with serious challenges, and Nafi opens up about the tough run of injuries (including shoulder, neck, and knee issues) that kept him sidelined and the mental battles required to push through to the top. We also get his thoughts on the intense French club competition, the pressure of preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup where the Eagles are pooled with France and Japan. Tune in to hear the raw account of resilience, what it's like to get your first test yellow card, and what it takes to thrive as an American player overseas.

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.eaglesoverseas.com⁠

⁠[email protected]⁠

John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.

⁠[email protected]⁠

⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com

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This special episode of US Rugby Happy Hour welcomes a major figure in the American game: Alex Magleby, Co-President of Major League Rugby (MLR). Magleby offers an unparalleled, candid look inside the business and strategy driving the nation's premier professional rugby competition. Dive deep into the mission to stabilize and professionalize the sport, what it takes to build a thriving league, and the critical relationship between MLR and USA Rugby. It’s a must-listen for fans who want to understand the foundational challenges and successes shaping the future of rugby in the United States.

As the countdown to the 2031 Rugby World Cup on US soil begins, what are the most urgent priorities for building a competitive national team and a passionate fanbase? Magleby pulls back the curtain on the dedicated efforts to accelerate the development of young American talent and the key broadcast strategies designed to put the MLR in front of millions of new viewers. Hear his thoughts on the next phase of league expansion, financial sustainability, and the pressure of preparing the entire US rugby ecosystem for the global spotlight. Tune in to find out if Major League Rugby is on track to deliver on its massive potential.

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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!

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.eaglesoverseas.com⁠

⁠[email protected]⁠

John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.

⁠[email protected]⁠

⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com

Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky

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On this special Thanksgiving episode, Bill and Fitzy share 3 Rugby Things They're Thankful For!

⭐️ MLR 2026 Season

⭐️ MLR 2026 Player Signings

⭐️ USA Men’s & Women’s Eagles

⭐️ Dedicated Youth Rugby Volunteers/Coaches

⭐️ The People of American Rugby

Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!!

Check out eaglesoverseas.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby!

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.eaglesoverseas.com⁠

⁠[email protected]⁠

John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.

⁠[email protected]⁠

⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com

Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky

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In this episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill and Fitzy welcome Anthem Rugby Club’s General Manager, Mark Carney to the show to discuss Anthem’s off season and future. Have Anthem’s goals changed? Did we give away a signing before Anthem did? What is the team doing to better themselves, will they have enough to not just win, but make it to the playoffs? 

Follow @americanrugbyrising and @rugbymorning for the latest in USA Rugby and MLR news.

Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising (Eagles Overseas Rugby) since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. 

http://www.eaglesoverseas.com

[email protected]

Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky

John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.

[email protected]

http://www.rugbymorning.com

Show Links:

American Rugby Rising

Rugby Morning

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In this episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill and Fitzy discuss the State of American Rugby. How is it going, has it stalled, has the game taken 2 steps back with the Eagles massive loss to Scotland? Did the poor showing at the Ireland vs New Zealand match in Chicago do good for America’s RWC31 hosting or damage it? Bill & Fitzy break all that down and more. 

Follow @americanrugbyrising and @rugbymorning for the latest in USA Rugby and MLR news.

Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising (Eagles Overseas Rugby) since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. 

http://www.eaglesoverseas.com

[email protected]

Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky

John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.

[email protected]

http://www.rugbymorning.com

Show Links:

American Rugby Rising

Rugby Morning

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In this episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill and Fitzy MLR’s hottest new general managers, Will Magie, of the Chicago Hounds. The guys dive into the electric atmosphere surrounding the massive Ireland vs. New Zealand rematch at Soldier Field, with Will sharing what it's like to host the Irish national team at the Hounds' facility and what these international events mean for rugby in Chicago.

Will also discusses his rapid transition from player to the front office and his mission to build a championship-winning culture for the Hounds. He offers a candid, inside perspective on the MLR offseason, navigating the challenging player market, and the strategy behind key signings like Tavite Lopeti and Santiago Videla. Plus, get the scoop on how the Hounds are developing future stars like Peyton Wall through their performance squad and academy pathway. 

Don't miss this in-depth chat about the present and future of the Chicago Hounds and Major League Rugby.

Follow @americanrugbyrising and @rugbymorning for the latest in USA Rugby and MLR news.

Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising (Eagles Overseas Rugby) since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. 

http://www.eaglesoverseas.com

[email protected]

Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky

John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.

[email protected]

http://www.rugbymorning.com

Show Links:

American Rugby Rising

Rugby Morning

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In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, USA Eagle #319, Erica Jarrell-Searcy, one of the breakout Rugby World Cup 2025 stars, recaps her RWC experience, taking it all in, and we dig deep in how she got there! Perhaps one of the only equestrian to rugby crossover athletes we know of. How competitive is her family and how did a "friendly" game of ‘Fight and don’t cry’ with her brother made her who she is today on the rugby field. Well, kind of. Erica also shares about the Sale Sharks expectations this upcoming 2025 season and what are her future goals. 

Follow @americanrugbyrising and @rugbymorning for the latest in USA Rugby and MLR news.

Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising (Eagles Overseas Rugby) since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. 

http://www.eaglesoverseas.com

[email protected]

Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky

John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.

[email protected]

http://www.rugbymorning.com

Show Links:

American Rugby Rising

Rugby Morning

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RWC25 Belle of the Ball, Eagle #316, Freda Tafuna

In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Rugby World Cup 2025 Belle of the Ball, Freda Tafuna joins Bill & Fitzy to talk about her breakout performance, scoring 6 tries in two matches, and how a wakeup call from coach Sione Fukofuka helped her secure her RWC roster spot. Also, what’s next for her after graduating Lindenwood in the Spring? PWR? Switching codes to League? The sky is the limit for Freda!

Follow @americanrugbyrising and @rugbymorning for the latest in USA Rugby and MLR news.

Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising (Eagles Overseas Rugby) since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. 

http://www.eaglesoverseas.com

[email protected]

Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky

John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.

[email protected]

http://www.rugbymorning.com

Show Links:

American Rugby Rising

Rugby Morning

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In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Rugby Commentator, The Rugby Rundown’s Co-Host, and Eagles #517, Will Hooley joins Bill and Fitzy to talk about USA Men finally qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and what it means for American rugby fans. Also, Will shares his opinions on USA Men’s Head Coach, Scott Lawrence’s comments about Canadian rugby, concentrating on American rugby over Canada and Pacific Islander players, a comment that hasn’t sat well with our neighbors to the North. Also, we analyze Eagles performances against Samoa and who we’re missing still. 

Follow @americanrugbyrising and @rugbymorning for the latest in USA Rugby and MLR news.

Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising (Eagles Overseas Rugby) since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. 

http://www.eaglesoverseas.com

[email protected]

Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky

John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.

[email protected]

http://www.rugbymorning.com

Show Links:

American Rugby Rising

Rugby Morning

The Rugby Rundown

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