US Rugby Happy Hour

In this episode of Eagles Overseas, host Bill Baker recaps action from Saturday’s domestic and international matches across Premiership Rugby, Top 14, and the Next Gen Cup for the week ending, October 4th, 2026.

Players featured in this episode:

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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:

Nick James (Loosehead Prop / Sale Sharks - Next Gen)

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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.

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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

⁠[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]

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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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:

🎧 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

⁠[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]

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/

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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.

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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:

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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!

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

⁠[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]

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:

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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:

Links & Resources:

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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://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

⁠[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]

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:

Links & Resources:

#Rugby #USARugby #RugbyWorldCup #911Remembrance #AllBlacks #Springboks #SixNationRugby #MLR #USRugbyHappyHour

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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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