Join us for an expert breakdown of the MLR Championship between the Chicago Hounds and California as we chat with rugby journalist Martin Pengelly and announcer Ben Holden. Subscribe to our channel for the latest US rugby analysis and interviews: [Link to Channel]

In this episode, we preview the upcoming MLR final, discuss the evolution of American rugby club culture with Martin Pengelly, and get a behind-the-scenes look at broadcast preparation from Ben Holden. Don’t miss out on our analysis of the Chicago Hounds' historic season!

Chapters:

#MLR #USARugby #ChicagoHounds #RugbyPodcast #TheNationalMaul #BenHolden #RugbyChampionship

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Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour:

🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today!

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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

⁠[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

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

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.

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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!

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Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour:

🎧 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

⁠[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

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

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!

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Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour:

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

⁠[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

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

Get ready for a high-octane interview with USA Eagle #590 and Chicago Hounds fly-half Chris Hilsenbeck. We kick things off with a custom intro song—featuring a "boot made of steel"—that gets the man himself pumped for the pitch. Bill and Fitzy dive into Chris’s unique journey from being born in California to growing up in the rugby hotbed of Heidelberg, Germany, and eventually finding his way back to the U.S. to lead the Windy City’s charge in Major League Rugby.

The Chicago Hounds are currently the talk of the league, sitting undefeated and 12 points clear of the competition. Chris discusses the "target on their backs," the importance of defensive growth, and the organization's laser-focus on reaching the MLR Finals—which just happen to be hosted at their home field this year. Will this be the year the New England Free Jacks' reign finally comes to an end? Tune in to find out how the Hounds plan to secure the shield.

——————————————

Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour:

🎧 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://bit.ly/3ZUs7oV

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

⁠[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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready for the biggest weekend in American college rugby as hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick dive deep into the 16th annual Collegiate Rugby Championship. We are joined by National Collegiate Rugby’s Pat Clifton and Zach Lanning to break down a massive field of 144 teams competing across eight divisions in Washington, D.C.. From the qualification process to "dark horse" contenders in Division III, this episode is your essential guide to the brackets, the players to watch, and the storylines that will define the tournament.

We also celebrate the 2026 Hall of Fame class, including CRC's very own Darian Lovelace, and discuss the "cascading brackets" that keep the action going for every team, win or lose. Stick around for a breakdown of the new fantasy rugby game and our friendly wagers on who takes home the hardware. Plus, don't miss our opening jingle, a "banger"!

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In this episode, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down once again with USA Women’s Head Coach Jack Hanratty to recap a whirlwind opening to the Pacific Four Series.

The episode kicks off with a custom blues-themed introduction jingle that pays homage to the musical roots of Kansas City and Chicago, setting a soulful tone for a deep dive into the state of American rugby.

Hanratty shares his "front row seat" perspective on the recent matches against the Black Ferns and Australia, highlighting the emotional journey of handing out six debut caps in one of the most challenging environments in the world.

Listeners will get an inside look at the emerging stars of the program, including 19-year-old Bella Vogel and sevens-crossover Hann Humphreys, as Coach Hanratty explains his "Yes, and..." philosophy for building a resilient team culture. From managing the nerves of international match days to the importance of finding joy through "Family Feud" and barbecue during a long tour, this interview explores what it takes to drive excellence in high-performance sport.

It is a must-listen for fans wanting to understand how the Eagles are solving "American problems" on the road to the World Cup.

——————————————

Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour:

🎧 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://bit.ly/3ZUs7oV

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

⁠[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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour, we sit down with the man who started it all as the first-ever Major League Rugby draft pick, Conner Mooneyham . We kick things off with a custom jingle that perfectly captures his "electric" speed on the wing and his status as a franchise cornerstone . Conner opens up about his grueling journey back from injury, explaining how a "reset" in his nutrition and physical therapy has him feeling like he has entered his true athletic prime just as he hits his 30th birthday .

We dive deep into the locker room culture of Anthem Rugby, moving past the "first win" celebrations to discuss their legitimate status as playoff contenders. From the emotional coaching style of Agustin "Cuca" Cavalieri to a candid, unfiltered take on why the new MLR refereeing system might actually be slowing the game down, this interview covers the technical and the personal. Stay tuned until the end to hear a hilarious story about Conner’s dad, "Bad Moon Rising," and his insider trading in the fantasy rugby world!

Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour:

🎧 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://bit.ly/3ZUs7oV

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

⁠[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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, host Bill Baker and co-host John Fitzpatrick sit down with USA Eagle #289 and Sale Sharks scrum-half Olivia Ortiz. As the team prepares for the highly anticipated Pac 4 series on home soil, Olivia shares insights into the squad's preparation under new head coach Jack Hanratty and the "yes" philosophy driving their exciting new style of play. The conversation kicks off with a look at the show’s signature introduction song—a track so energetic that Olivia suggests it belongs on a pre-game hype playlist.

The discussion dives deep into Olivia’s unconventional path to international rugby, moving from a national-caliber equestrian background in Michigan to discovering the sport during her senior year of high school. She discusses her "horse girl" teammates, her journey through Davenport University on a scholarship, and her current professional life in the UK with the Sale Sharks. Whether she is addressing the challenges of being a 4'11" player in a physical sport or sharing her love for her dogs back home, Olivia’s story is a testament to determination and proving the doubters wrong.

——————————————

🎧 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://bit.ly/3ZUs7oV

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

⁠[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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill & Fitzy welcome Rugby on ESPN Host, Will Hooley, New England Free Jacks' new GM, Todd Thornley, and MLR Co-President, Graeme Bradbury to preview the 2026 MLR Season!

Kick things off with our signature high-energy intro jingle that signals it’s time for some serious rugby talk! In this episode, Fitzy and Bill sit down with the biggest names in the sport to dissect the "reset button" Major League Rugby has pressed for the 2026 season. We explore the league's strategic shift toward domestic talent, the emergence of Anthem in Charlotte, and why a leaner, 6-team league actually means a much higher standard of competition on the pitch.

Will the New England Free Jacks continue their dominance, or will the veteran-heavy Chicago Hounds finally secure the Shield? From locker room insights with Todd Thornley to expert analysis from Will Hooley, this episode is the essential roadmap for every fan heading into opening weekend. Tune in to find out which dark horse teams are ready to shake up the standings!

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