US Rugby Happy Hour

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

The episode opens with our upbeat, signature "Happy Hour" jingle, instantly setting a high-energy tone for a conversation that balances veteran wisdom with the excitement of a new chapter. This week, we are joined by loose forward Paddy Ryan as he settles into life in the Pacific Northwest. Paddy discusses the motivations behind his move to Seattle and what it’s like transitioning into one of the most passionate rugby cultures in the country. From the local atmosphere to the expectations of a new fan base, we get a first-hand look at his early days in the Emerald City. As the 2026 season kicks into high gear, Paddy shares his perspective on the competitive landscape of the league and the physical demands of staying at the top of his game. We also dive into the broader future of USA Rugby, exploring his thoughts on the national team’s trajectory and the upcoming international windows. Whether you're a Seattle local or a follower of the Eagles, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the grit and strategy required to succeed in the modern American game. —————————————— 🎧 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

This week, we are joined by one of Major League Rugby’s most experienced officials, Luke Rogan. Fresh off a prestigious assignment refereeing the U20 6 Nations in Europe, Luke gives us a front-row seat to the atmosphere of international rugby and the unique pressure of managing the next generation of global stars on some of the game's most historic grounds. The conversation shifts to the cutting edge of the domestic game as we break down the brand-new MLR Referee Review System (RRS). Luke explains how this technology will function on the pitch and its goal of providing a safety net for officials without slowing down the fast-paced action fans love. We also take a look back at the law variations implemented last season to see which changes have truly improved the flow of the game. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the whistle in a professional match, this is the episode for you. 🎧 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

Welcome to a special edition of the US Rugby Happy Hour with hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick. This episode kicks off with a high-energy intro jingle in the style of the Beach Boys, perfectly setting the stage for our guest's move to the sunny shores of San Diego. Before diving into the main event, the hosts recap the latest standout performances from USA Women's Eagles playing in Europe, including try-scoring outings by Hope Rogers and Catherine Treder. The heart of the show features an in-depth conversation with Jack Hanratty, the newly appointed head coach of the USA Women’s Eagles 15s program. Fresh off winning an Olympic silver medal with the Canadian Women’s Sevens team, Hanratty discusses his transition from the freezing temperatures of Ottawa to the high-performance environment of Chula Vista. Listeners will get a first look at his coaching philosophy, his views on the historic USA-Canada rivalry, and his vision for finding "Eagles solutions for America’s problems" as the team prepares for the Pacific Four Series and beyond. 🎧 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

In this landmark episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down with Chris Mattina, Executive Director of the US Rugby Players Association, to break down the first-ever collective bargaining agreement in American professional rugby history. Before diving into the heavy lifting of labor negotiations, the show kicks off with a custom, high-octane heavy metal jingle that Mattina joked he needs as his personal entrance music for every room he walks into. Discover what this means for the players on the ground—from newly codified health and safety protections and "just cause" discipline rules to the economic wins that support domestic talent. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious observer of the American sports landscape, this "tease" into the future of the sport covers everything from personal branding and NIL rights to the strategic "runway" leading up to the 2031 World Cup. Don't miss this inside look at the handshake that changed the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down with the newly minted head coach of the USA Men’s Sevens program, Zack Test. A year off the historic Olympic bronze with the women’s side, Zack opens up about his journey from a career-altering injury to leading the Eagles back toward the world stage. He discusses the emotional weight of his new role, the "Mount Everest" of the 2028 LA Olympics, and the "American style" of rugby he plans to unleash on the world. The conversation dives deep into the strategy behind the roster for Kenya and the three pillars of discipline, work ethic, and consistency. Zack also shares insights on his star-studded coaching staff—featuring legends like Perry Baker and Nese Malifa—and how he is empowering a new generation of players to own their legacy. Whether you're a die-hard sevens fan or new to the sport, this episode is a fascinating look at the leadership and psychology required to push the American jersey forward. 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

In the Season 6 premiere of US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down with one of the most passionate voices in the American game: former USA Eagle and current National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) leader, Alycia Washington. From her days dominating the pitch as a player to her transition into coaching and high-level administration, Alycia shares her unique perspective on the current state of the collegiate landscape. She dives into the growth of the women’s game, the mission of the NCR to provide a home for every level of play, and why the collegiate level is the vital heartbeat of rugby’s future in the United States. Think you know why you should be watching college rugby? Alycia delivers a "stump speech" for the ages, breaking down why these student-athletes are the most resilient, "badass" people in sports today. Whether you’re curious about the pathway to the 2031 World Cup, the intensity of the National 7s, or the grassroots stories of small-college powerhouses, this episode is a rallying cry for every rugby fan in America. Tune in to hear why Alycia believes these athletes are changing the world—one match at a time. 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

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

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 Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. 🎧 Listen to the replay podcast of this and many previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 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! 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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