On this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin sits down with teammate Diego Fortuny to talk about an incredible rugby journey that spans continents, cultures, and some of the sport's highest levels.

Diego takes us from his grassroots rugby beginnings in Argentina to representing Argentina at the U20 World Rugby Championship in Italy, and eventually to the United States. Along the way, he has played with, competed against, and trained alongside some of the biggest names and best players in world rugby.

What is it really like coming through the Argentine rugby system? How different is rugby in Argentina compared to the United States? What can American rugby learn from the countries that consistently produce elite players? And after experiencing both sides, is the USA on the right track to become a legitimate force in international rugby?

Austin and Diego dive into player development, international rugby, the USA Eagles, Argentine rugby culture, life as a professional rugby player, and the experiences that shaped Diego's career.

Which rugby system do you think develops better players: Argentina or the USA? And what does American rugby need to change to compete with the world's best? Drop your take in the comments and join the debate.

Follow the A&D Podcast for more rugby, MLR, USA Eagles, international rugby, fitness, and sports conversations.

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On this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich break down the latest USA Eagles vs. Argentina XV matchup—and the Eagles are officially riding a five-game winning streak. Is this the turning point USA Rugby fans have been waiting for, or are we getting ahead of ourselves?

The guys dive into what went right for the USA, whether Scott Lawrence has finally found the right system, and what this winning streak actually says about the direction of the USA Eagles and American rugby.

There were plenty of positives: new players gaining valuable international experience, emerging prospects getting the chance to prove themselves, and a USA squad that has the hosts feeling optimistic about the future. But is the hype justified?

Has Scott Lawrence finally cracked the code? Is USA Rugby genuinely turning the corner? And how far can this Eagles team go if this momentum continues?

🔥 We want to hear from you: Is this the best USA Eagles team we've seen in years, or are five straight wins not enough to prove anything yet? Sound off in the comments!

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Is Major League Rugby facing another major setback—or is this just another bump in the road?

On this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich dive into the latest bad news surrounding Major League Rugby (MLR) and the growing questions about the league’s future. After what felt like an incredible stretch for USA Rugby and the USA Eagles, is it frustrating to see more uncertainty surrounding the domestic league that is supposed to help develop American talent?

Austin argues that this latest development may have been inevitable—and that it might not be nearly as disastrous as some fans believe. Dietrich isn’t quite ready to dismiss the concerns. The guys debate what happens next, what MLR should prioritize moving forward, and whether the league can turn this situation into an opportunity for growth.

Can Major League Rugby stabilize and build on the momentum surrounding the USA Eagles? What changes does MLR need to make? Is the league actually in trouble, or are fans overreacting to another piece of bad news?

Let us know what YOU think: Is Major League Rugby heading in the right direction, or is this another warning sign for the future of professional rugby in America?

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The inaugural Nations Championship is underway, and the rugby world is already asking big questions. On this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich break down the opening leg of the tournament, analyzing the biggest winners, the biggest disappointments, and which nations may have just changed the future of international rugby.

Which teams exceeded expectations? Which emerging stars announced themselves on the world stage? And which traditional rugby powers should already be worried heading toward the Rugby World Cup?

The debate doesn't stop there. Has the Northern Hemisphere finally closed the gap on the South? Or do South Africa, New Zealand, and Argentina still set the global standard? Austin and Dietrich discuss which nations are building championship-caliber squads, who's developing the next generation of elite talent, and which teams have the best chance of ending South Africa's reign as the world's top rugby nation.

If you're passionate about international rugby, the Nations Championship, Rugby World Cup contenders, player development, and the future of the sport, this episode is packed with analysis, hot takes, and bold predictions that every rugby fan will want to debate.

Who do you think is the best rugby nation right now—the North or the South? Which team has impressed you the most, and who is overrated? Let us know in the comments and join the debate.

Follow the A&D Podcast for weekly rugby analysis, Major League Rugby coverage, USA Eagles discussion, international rugby news, Rugby World Cup previews, and more.

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The USA Eagles delivered their biggest statement of the Nations Cup—but was this the performance that proves USA Rugby has finally turned the corner, or is it too early to believe the hype?

On this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich break down the Nations Cup clash between the USA Eagles and Spain's Leones, a matchup both hosts labeled a true 50/50 coin flip heading into kickoff after what they called a "bad win" over Zimbabwe. With every phase of play under the microscope, did the Eagles answer the questions surrounding their attack, defense, discipline, and game plan?

The answer surprised both hosts.

Austin and Dietrich dive into what they believe was the most complete USA Eagles performance since the historic 2018 run, analyzing the tactical adjustments, improved decision-making, physicality, set-piece dominance, and confidence that fueled a statement victory over Spain. Was this simply one great performance, or is this the foundation of a new era for USA Rugby?

The conversation doesn't stop there. The guys debate whether this Eagles squad has finally found its identity, which players are becoming the core of the team heading toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and whether fans should genuinely raise their expectations. Is this the beginning of the long-awaited rise of the "sleeping giant" of international rugby—or are supporters getting carried away after one impressive win?

Join the debate and let us know your thoughts:

Was this the best USA Eagles performance since 2018? Has USA Rugby finally turned the corner, or do they still have more to prove?

If you love USA Rugby, Major League Rugby, international rugby, Rugby World Cup analysis, Nations Cup reactions, match breakdowns, and passionate rugby debates, make sure to follow the A&D Podcast and never miss an episode.

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The USA Eagles opened the Nations Cup with a statement victory over Portugal, but was this the breakthrough performance American rugby fans have been waiting for, or are there still major concerns beneath the surface?

On this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich break down every major storyline from the Nations Cup opener in Denver, Colorado. Fresh off attending the match in person, Austin shares what it was like inside a packed stadium where, in his words, "the place was electric." Did the atmosphere mark a turning point for rugby in the United States?

The guys analyze the Eagles' team selection, debate which players exceeded expectations, and discuss who may have played themselves into a larger role for the remainder of the tournament. The debutants impressed, veteran leaders stepped up, and one unexpected player comparison from Dietrich is guaranteed to spark discussion among rugby fans.

Despite the exciting upset win, not everything was perfect. Austin and Dietrich debate what the USA Eagles still need to improve before tougher Nations Cup tests. Was this performance enough to prove the Eagles are ready to compete consistently on the international stage, or did Portugal leave opportunities on the field?

The episode wraps up by previewing the USA's upcoming Nations Cup matches, discussing key selection decisions, breakout players to watch, tournament predictions, and what this victory could mean for the future of American rugby.

Do you think this win was a true statement from the USA Eagles, or are fans overreacting after one match? Which player impressed you the most, and who should start next week? Join the debate in the comments!

If you enjoy rugby analysis, Major League Rugby, USA Eagles coverage, international rugby discussion, match breakdowns, player analysis, and honest opinions every week, be sure to follow the A&D Podcast so you never miss a new episode.

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The A&D Podcast is breaking down the biggest selection questions facing the USA Eagles as they prepare for the inaugural Nations Cup. Which players deserve a spot in the squad? Who should start against Portugal? And has Major League Rugby done enough to prepare the Eagles for international competition?

Austin and Dietrich analyze the player pool, predict the lineup for the opening match against Portugal, and debate the biggest roster decisions that could define the tournament. They also examine how recent MLR changes could impact the Eagles' performance on the international stage and preview the challenges waiting throughout the rest of the Nations Cup schedule.

Do you agree with our selections, or did we leave your favorite player out? Who should wear the No. 10 jersey? Can the USA Eagles make a statement in the Nations Cup, or are expectations too high? Join the conversation in the comments and let us know your starting XV and tournament predictions.

If you're passionate about USA Rugby, Major League Rugby, international rugby, rugby analysis, match previews, player selections, and honest rugby debate, this episode is for you.

Follow the A&D Podcast for weekly rugby analysis, MLR coverage, USA Eagles news, match reactions, and international rugby discussions.

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The 2026 Major League Rugby season has officially come to an end, and Austin and Dietrich are breaking down every moment of an unforgettable MLR Grand Final as the Chicago Hounds captured their first-ever MLR Shield.

From the opening whistle, Mother Nature made her presence known with heavy rain creating slippery conditions and turning handling, kicking, and set pieces into a battle of survival. Despite the weather, Chicago adapted immediately, pinning the California Legion deep inside their own half and taking an early 3-0 lead. As the first half unfolded, the Hounds completely controlled possession and territory, forcing California to spend almost the entire opening 40 minutes defending.

By the half-hour mark, Chicago had built a commanding 17-3 advantage, dominating the scrum while the wet conditions caused problems for both forward packs. California's discipline only made matters worse, as both their starting tighthead prop and his replacement were shown yellow cards in the first half, leaving the Legion fighting an uphill battle before halftime even arrived.

Was the championship decided by California's costly penalties? Did Chicago simply execute the better game plan? Or did the Hounds prove they were the best team in Major League Rugby all season? Austin and Dietrich debate what truly won Chicago the title, and one of the hosts believes the answer goes beyond the stat sheet.

California finally found some momentum in the closing stages, showing flashes of the rugby that carried them to the final. But was the comeback effort simply too little, too late? Or did Chicago's relentless control of possession, territory, and scrum dominance make the result inevitable from the very beginning?

The guys wrap up the episode by looking ahead to a pivotal offseason for Major League Rugby. What changes should teams make before next season? Can the Chicago Hounds repeat as champions and build an MLR dynasty? Which clubs are best positioned to challenge for the Shield? And how does the continued growth of

Major League Rugby's impact on the USA Eagles as the road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup continues?

Join the debate in the comments:

• Was Chicago's performance the most dominant Grand Final in MLR history?
• Did California lose the championship through poor discipline, or was Chicago simply on another level?
• Can the Hounds repeat as champions next season?
• Which team is your early favorite to win the next MLR Shield?

If you love Major League Rugby, USA Eagles rugby, Rugby World Cup coverage, match analysis, and weekly rugby debate, be sure to follow the A&D Podcast for new episodes every week.

Follow for rugby clips and updates on TikTok @ad.podcast and Instagram @ad.podcast0.

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