In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich break down one of the most electrifying Major League Rugby championship finals to date — the 2025 MLR Final between the Houston SaberCats and New England Free Jacks. The boys dive into how New England held on in a tense, physical battle that showcased everything great about American rugby. From Houston’s scrum dominance to the controversial no-call on a potential penalty try, they dissect all the pivotal moments that made this a match for the history books.

Then, the conversation shifted overseas as the USA Eagles took on Belgium in an international test match. While there were flashes of promise — particularly in individual performances and set-piece structure — the Eagles still showed they have a long way to go in terms of execution, discipline, and consistency at the international level.

Whether you're a hardcore rugby head or just getting into the game, this episode captures the highs, the frustrations, and everything in between from a pivotal weekend in American rugby.

🎧 Tune in now and don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the pod and help grow the game in the U.S.!

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich dive deep into one of the most unforgettable weekends in Major League Rugby history—the 2025 Conference Finals. First, the guys break down the Western Conference clash where the Houston SaberCats dismantled the Utah Warriors with a dominant defensive performance and ruthless finishing. From Drake Davis' bone-crushing hits to Houston's complete second-half takeover, we unpack how the SaberCats earned their shot at the Shield.

Then, we shift to the Eastern Conference Final, a match that will be remembered for both its incredible drama and its shocking broadcast failure. The New England Free Jacks staged a stunning late comeback to edge out the Chicago Hounds, but just as the game reached its climax, everything went black. We talk about the brilliance of Paul Balekana, the heartbreak of Luke Hilsenbeck’s final kick, and the massive disappointment for fans who were cut off from seeing it all unfold live.

Beyond the games, we zoom out to look at the bigger picture: how the 2025 season elevated the league, grew the sport across the U.S., and showed just how far rugby has come—and how far it still has to go. From improved parity and rising stars to the growing pains of a league still finding its footing, this episode is a full-spectrum reflection on the state of rugby in America.

If you love rugby, passionate storytelling, and real talk about the game’s growth in the U.S., hit that follow button and leave us a review! And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episode video drops and behind-the-scenes content.

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich break down all the action from the 2025 Major League Rugby playoffs, diving deep into each thrilling matchup.

The duo starts with Chicago vs Old Glory DC, where DC stormed out of the gates, but Chicago’s grit and second-half defense proved too much as they clutched a hard-fought win.

Next, they head to Utah vs Seattle, where Utah’s early dominance nearly crumbled under a furious Seattle comeback. The Seawolves showed heart, but costly set-piece errors and late-game turnovers left them just short in a 2-point thriller.

In New England vs Miami, the Free Jacks wasted no time making a statement, scoring within 30 seconds and controlling the pace throughout. Despite Miami’s determined effort and control of territory, New England’s poise and discipline carried them through

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Finally, the hosts discuss Houston vs RFCLA, where weather and field conditions worked against LA’s fast-paced style. Houston stayed composed, utilizing its suffocating defense and tactical control to secure a statement win.

From comebacks to defensive clinics, Austin and Dietrich share their takes on the defining moments, tactical shifts, and what these results mean as they head into the next round.

Don’t miss this jam-packed playoff breakdown! Like, subscribe, and follow the A&D Podcast on YouTube and your favorite streaming platforms to stay locked in as we head toward the MLR Championship.

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