US Rugby Happy Hour

In this episode of Eagles Overseas with Bill Baker, host Bill Baker breaks down all the action from October 28 to November 1, 2026. We recap double-try performances in the PWR Next Gen Cup, key defensive efforts in Top 14 and ProD2, and standout performances from uncapped talent across the globe.

•

Lotte Sharp (15 / Saracens - Premiership Women’s Rugby)

•

Morgan Freeman (2 / Saracens - Premiership Women’s Rugby)

•

Nick James (3 / Sale Sharks Women - Premiership Women’s Rugby)

•

Olivia Ortiz (21 / Sale Sharks Women - Premiership Women’s Rugby)

•

Kristin Bitter (10 / Montpellier - French Élite 1)

•

Jack Iscaro (1 / Stade Français Paris - Top 14)

•

Nafi Ma’afu (19 / US Montauban - ProD2)

•

Kapeli Pifeleti (16 / Provence Rugby - ProD2)

•

AJ MacGinty (10 / Bristol Bears - Gallagher Premiership)

•

Nira Fowler (13 / DLA Piper Kowloon Rugby Club - Hong Kong Women’s Premiership)

•

Ale Heaney (Forward/Cornish Pirates - Championship Rugby)

•

Spencer Huntley (9 / Hartpury University - BUCS Super Rugby)

•

Declan Cadden (23 / Leicester Tigers U23 - Premiership Academy)

•

Aidan King (8 / Doncaster Knights - Championship Rugby)

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Welcome back to another dynamic segment of U.S. Rugby Happy Hour featuring "The National Maul" with veteran journalist Martin Pengelly! In this episode, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down with Martin to break down the massive weekend of international rugby coming to Sports Illustrated Stadium, highlighted by the surging USA Women’s Eagles taking on the world-class England Red Roses.

Martin shares his expert analysis on the recent form of the USA squad, the phenomenal rise of breakout star Bella Vogel and Frida Tafuna, and why Canada’s historic back-to-back victories over England have completely shifted the global women's game. We also explore the men's international landscape, the realities of player development pipelines in the Top 14, and what to expect from the upcoming November tests. Tune in for an engaging, sharp-witted look at the state of rugby content and culture!

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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: http://bit.ly/3Uuj9u7

Spotify: http://bit.ly/3ZxjAa0

Youtube: https://youtu.be/pm0Ibca65_E

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

Check out http://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 https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to another fun episode of U.S. Rugby Happy Hour! In this episode, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick kick things off with some lighthearted Halloween banter before diving straight into the massive weekend of international rugby coming to New Jersey's Sports Illustrated Stadium. We are joined by RugbyPass Contributing Writer and Women’s Rugby Editor Joe Harvey, who is live on the ground in the New York area to break down everything you need to know about the upcoming fixtures.

Joe shares his expert insights on the surging momentum of women’s test rugby, the monumental growth of the USA Eagles under head coach Jack Hanratty, and what it will take for the Americans to challenge the powerhouse Red Roses. We also explore the global landscape of the women's game, the impact of cross-over talents, and what to expect as the USA men's side prepares to face the Australia 15s. Tune in for an engaging, deep-dive discussion into the heart of international rugby!

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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: http://bit.ly/3Uuj9u7

Spotify: http://bit.ly/3ZxjAa0

Youtube: https://youtu.be/pm0Ibca65_E

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

Check out http://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 https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Bill Baker as he breaks down all the overseas rugby action featuring American Eagles from Wednesday, October 21 through Sunday, October 25, 2026. Highlights include AJ MacGinty leading Bristol Bears to a 20-7 win over Exeter, Renger Van Eerten making his season return for Provence, Nafi Ma’afu featuring in Montauban’s thriller, and Kristin Bitter making her Montpellier debut!

Players Featured:

•

AJ MacGinty (10 - Flyhalf / Bristol Bears - Gallagher PREM Rugby)

•

Nafi Ma’afu (19 - Reserve Forward / Montauban - ProD2)

•

Renger Van Eerten (18 - Reserve Lock / Provence - ProD2)

•

Kristin Bitter (21 - Reserve Back / Montpellier - French Élite 1)

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USA Women’s Rugby star Hope Rogers drops in to talk about the Women Eagles' thrilling four-game winning streak and the evolving team culture under head coach Jack Hanratty. From embracing a high-energy style of play to line dancing in Nashville, Hope shares behind-the-scenes insights into how the squad is building depth, developing rugby IQ, and preparing for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

In this open conversation, Hope candidly discusses her future in international rugby, her original retirement plans after the last World Cup, and what keeps her hungry for one last tournament run. Plus, she reacts to closing in on the all-time USA Women's scoring record and takes on a fun "Would You Rather" rapid-fire round. Tune in for an engaging look at one of the nation's top rugby talents!

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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: http://bit.ly/3Uuj9u7

Spotify: http://bit.ly/3ZxjAa0

Youtube: https://youtu.be/4gDNrRIdl_Q

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

Check out http://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 https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Bill Baker as he breaks down all the rugby action featuring American Eagles overseas from Wednesday, October 14 through Sunday, October 18, 2026. Highlights include Charlie Abel’s Pro D2 Team of the Week honors, Ale Heaney’s spectacular 2-try performance for Cornish Pirates, Morgan Freeman’s debut try for Saracens, and Declan Cadden commanding Leicester Tigers U23!

Players Featured:

•

Charlie Abel (3 - Tighthead Prop / Oyonnax - ProD2)

•

Kapeli Pifeleti (16 - Reserve Hooker / Provence - ProD2)

•

Nafi Ma’afu (8 - Number 8 / Montauban - ProD2)

•

Rufus McLean (Wing / Stade Français Paris - Top14 / Champions Cup)

•

Ale Heaney (1 - Loosehead Prop / Cornish Pirates - Champ Rugby)

•

Declan Cadden (10 - Flyhalf / Leicester Tigers U23 & Loughborough Univ.)

•

Lotte Sharp (15 - Fullback / Saracens - PWR Next Gen Cup)

•

Morgan Freeman (2 - Hooker / Saracens - PWR Next Gen Cup)

•

Tess Feury (10 - Flyhalf / Leicester Tigers - PWR Next Gen Cup)

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US Rugby Hall of Famer and dual-code Eagle Tony Ridnell steps into the booth with Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick to talk about his ambitious new historical book project, The Good, The Bad, American Rugby. From recounting his 1990s international playing days and navigating multiple severe concussions to examining the crucial off-field milestones that shaped the sport in the U.S.—including Title IX, the 2020 USA Rugby bankruptcy, and early struggles faced by the 1991 Women’s World Cup champions—Tony provides a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the legacy of the American game.

The conversation also covers modern developments across the domestic and international landscape. Tony discusses the game-day culture built by the Seattle Seawolves at Starfire, highlights the remarkable philanthropic growth of the XV Foundation supporting women's rugby, and offers honest commentary on the Men's Eagles' recent performances and World Rugby's scheduling decisions ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

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: http://bit.ly/3Uuj9u7

Spotify: http://bit.ly/3ZxjAa0

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

Check out http://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 https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this segment of the US Rugby Happy Hour segment: The National Maul, Martin returns to discuss the shift toward NFL-style post-match locker room media access announced by Bristol Bears' Pat Lam. He draws on 25 years of journalism experience—sharing a classic 1990s locker room encounter with French legend Abdel Benazzi—to examine whether unfiltered access will survive high-stakes pressure, corporate media training, and press scrutiny.

The conversation then shifts to Martin’s latest writing on the deep history of rugby played on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. From tracing back to the Potomac Athletic Club (PAC) and its predecessor, Club Sudamericano de Rugby, to uncovering a forgotten 1970 Richard Burton essay on rugby, Martin highlights the rich culture that ties local D.C. watering holes like The Bottom Line to the sport. Finally, the trio touches on the state of the Congressional Rugby Caucus, proving how the shared camaraderie of rugby—and a drink at the pub afterward—can bridge even the deepest political divides.

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In this episode of Eagles Overseas with Bill Baker, host Bill Baker breaks down the weekend performances of American rugby stars in France's Top 14 and Pro D2, plus Round 4 of England's PWR Next Gen Cup. Features match reports, Team of the Week accolades, season stat tallies, and crucial player status updates.

Featured Players:

• Jack Iscaro (Loosehead Prop / Stade Français Paris - Top 14)
• Nafi Ma’afu (Lock / US Montauban - Pro D2)
• Charlie Abel (Tighthead Prop / Oyonnax Rugby - Pro D2)
• Tess Feury (Flyhalf / Leicester Tigers - PWR Next Gen Cup)
• Nick James (Tighthead Prop / Sale Sharks Women - PWR Next Gen Cup)
• Gabby Cantorna (Inside Center / Exeter Chiefs - PWR Next Gen Cup)

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The energetic standard intro tune rolls in as hosts Bill and John Fitzpatrick set the stage for an engaging dive into the world of college rugby. In this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour, the hosts sit down with Central Oregon Community College (COCC) Head Coach Max Bennett to unpack the triumphs, hurdles, and unique dynamics of managing a junior college rugby program. From inheriting a program founded by his uncle—an Oregon rugby legend—to earning NCR Coach of the Month honors, Bennett shares how deep-rooted family passion and relentless drive keep COCC rugby thriving.

Listeners get a front-row seat to the art of collegiate recruiting outside the NCAA norm. Bennett details how he turns multi-sport high school athletes—especially wrestlers and football players—into rugby standouts, why Instagram is his go-to recruiting platform, and how COCC is helping pioneer rugby culture across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Tune in to discover what it takes to build a sustainable program, turn newcomers into ruggers for life, and navigate the wild world of community college athletics.

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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: http://bit.ly/3Uuj9u7

Spotify: http://bit.ly/3ZxjAa0

Youtube: https://youtu.be/g4-SuPv01m4

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

Check out http://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 https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:

•

AJ MacGinty (10 - Fly half / Bristol Bears - Gallagher PREM Rugby)

•

Jack Iscaro (1 - Loosehead Prop / Paris - Top14)

•

Lotte Sharp (11 - Left Wing / Saracens - Next Gen Cup)

•

Morgan Freeman (7 - Openside Flanker / Saracens - Next Gen Cup)

•

Nick James (3 - Tighthead Prop / Sale Sharks - Next Gen Cup)

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

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:

•

Lotte Sharp (Left Wing / Saracens - Next Gen Series)

•

Tess Feury (Full back / Leicester Tigers - Next Gen Cup)

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

•

Nafi Ma’afu (Reserve / Montauban - ProD2)

•

AJ MacGinty (Fly half / Bristol Bears - Gallagher PREM Rugby)

•

Jack Iscaro (Reserve / Paris - Top14)

•

Jake Turnbull (Loosehead Prop / Wellington Lions - Hilux NPC)

•

Finn Love (Left Wing / Cornish Pirates - Champ Rugby)

•

Ale Heaney (Loosehead Prop / Cornish Pirates - Champ Rugby)

•

Tomi Agbongbob (Number 8 / Cornish Pirates - Champ Rugby)

•

Aidan King (Openside Flanker / Doncaster Knights - Champ Rugby)

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

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.

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

Check out http://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/

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

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

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:

• 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: http://bit.ly/3Uuj9u7

Spotify: http://bit.ly/3ZxjAa0

Youtube: https://youtu.be/lPlb_zUNJmk

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

Check out http://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 https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

•

Charlie Abel (Tighthead Prop / Oyonnax - ProD2)

•

Nafi Ma’afu (Number 8 / Montauban - ProD2)

•

Jake Turnbull (Loosehead Prop / Wellington Lions - Hilux NPC)

•

Aidan King (Openside Flanker / Doncaster Knights - Champ Rugby)

•

Lotte Sharp (Left Wing / Saracens - PWR Next Gen Cup)

•

Nick James (Tighthead Prop / Sale Sharks - PWR Next Gen Cup)

•

Tess Feury (Fullback / Leicester Tigers - PWR Next Gen Cup)

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

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

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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: http://bit.ly/3Uuj9u7

Spotify: http://bit.ly/3ZxjAa0

Youtube: https://youtu.be/lPlb_zUNJmk

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

Check out http://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 https://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 https://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
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Check out http://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

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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:

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00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Rugby Preview

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02:14 - The National Maul Intro Jingle

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03:00 - Rugby's Connection to 9/11 & Untold Stories

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09:22 - World Rugby's Expansion & Bringing Six Nations to the US

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16:35 - High-Stakes Logistics: All Blacks vs. Springboks in Baltimore

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19:27 - The State of USA Rugby & Major League Rugby

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25:10 - Documentary "Brothers on Three" & Favorite Rugby Movies

Links & Resources:

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Read The National Maul Substack: https://thenationalmaul.substack.com/

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Read Martin Pengelly on The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/martinpengelly

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Support US Rugby Happy Hour / American Rugby Rising: https://www.americanrugbyrising.com

#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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