
US Rugby Happy Hour
American Rugby Rising’s US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE
American Rugby Rising · Bill Baker
Show overview
US Rugby Happy Hour has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 209 episodes, alongside 21 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 130 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 25th season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 31 min and 48 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language Sports show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed earlier today, with 26 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 69 episodes published. Published by Bill Baker.
From the publisher
US Rugby Happy Hour, hosted by the dynamic duo of Bill Baker of American Rugby Rising and John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning, is a captivating blend of insightful rugby discussions, entertaining banter, and a celebration of the sport’s spirit. With their wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, Bill and Fitzy create an engaging space for rugby enthusiasts to connect and revel in the game’s glory. Whether delving into the latest matches or sharing anecdotes with special guests, this live show is a must-attend for anyone passionate about rugby, offering a delightful intersection of camaraderie and sports analysis. Guests have included head coaches Gary Gold, Rob Cain and Mike Friday. USA Eagles Joe Taufete’e, Greg Peterson, Kate Zackary, Hope Rogers, Christian Dyer, and Hall of Famers, Dan Lyle and Todd Clever. Major League Rugby stars Mitch Wilson, Nick Civetta, Connor Mooneyham and former MLR Commissioner, George Killebrew. Those covering the news too, including Brian Ray of Americas Rugby News and Wendy Young of YSC Rugby. Join us live on Facebook and Youtube (show days and times vary), or catch the Podcast replays right here! Follow @AmerRugbyRising on Twitter and @AmericanRugbyRising on Instagram for weekly guest announcements and direct link to the live shows. HOSTS: Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising and 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
Latest Episodes
View all 209 episodesUSA Men's Eagles Face Eddie Jones & Japan in Pacific Nations Cup Showcase
The National Maul - Honoring 9/11 & High-Stakes International Rugby
Eagles Overseas: Season debuts in France, PREM Cup action in England, and a battle down in New Zealand’s NPC
Rivalry Heat & Grassroots Explosions - Martin Pengelly & Rugby Riot's Zach Bateman
Future Stars of American Rugby: 2026 MLR Draft Breakdown with Solomon Williams & Mario Storti
Celebrating US Rugby Hall of Famer Alex Goff - American Pathways, Youth Growth, and the Collegiate Landscape
USA Rugby & CRAA Joint Venture: Unlocking the Future of College Rugby with Bill Goren & Paul Keeler
Unpacking the Eagles’ Progress with USA Head Coach Scott Lawrence | US Rugby Happy Hour
Building the American Identity with Dominic Besag & Martin Pengelly - US Rugby Happy Hour
USA Rugby Future: Bella Vogel’s Rise & The National Maul Breakdown
Rugby Culture & MLR Championship Preview: Chicago vs. California | The National Maul & Ben Holden
MLR Finals Return to Chicago: A Weekend of Rugby, Community, and Growth
Unleashing the Dogs: The 61-Man USA Eagles Roster & Media Growth with Martin Pengelly
American Rugby Insights & The Power of Seaweed | Feat. Martin Pengelly & Paul Mullen
The Windy City’s Steel Boot: Chris Hilsenbeck on the Hounds’ Undefeated Run
March Madness on the Pitch: The Ultimate 2026 CRC Preview
Building the Future: Jack Hanratty on the Eagles' Evolution and the Pacific Four Series
Drafting the Blueprint: Conner Mooneyham on Anthem’s Rise and the "Prime at 30" Mindset
From the Saddle to the Scrum: USA Eagle Olivia Ortiz

The Reset is Real: The Ultimate 2026 Major League Rugby Season Preview
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