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  • A New Era for American Rugby: Inside the Historic MLR CBA with Chris Mattina

    A New Era for American Rugby: Inside the Historic MLR CBA with Chris Mattina
    2026/02/13
    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
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    37 分
  • Trusting the Process: Zack Test’s Vision for USA Men’s Sevens

    Trusting the Process: Zack Test’s Vision for USA Men’s Sevens
    2026/02/05
    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 ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    49 分
  • The Future of the Frontier: Alycia Washington’s Vision for Collegiate Rugby

    The Future of the Frontier: Alycia Washington’s Vision for Collegiate Rugby
    2026/01/29
    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 ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 分
  • The Power of Purpose: Alev Kelter on Resilience, Rugby, and the Magic of Paris

    The Power of Purpose: Alev Kelter on Resilience, Rugby, and the Magic of Paris
    2025/12/18
    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
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    48 分
  • Eagle #597: Nafi Ma'afu on the Top 14 Grind, Injuries, and His Long-Awaited USA Debut

    Eagle #597: Nafi Ma'afu on the Top 14 Grind, Injuries, and His Long-Awaited USA Debut
    2025/12/11
    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 ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    50 分
  • MLR Strategy & The Road to RWC 2031 with Alex Magleby

    MLR Strategy & The Road to RWC 2031 with Alex Magleby
    2025/12/04
    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 ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 分
  • 3 Rugby Things Bill & Fitzy are Thankful For - Happy Thanksgiving!

    3 Rugby Things Bill & Fitzy are Thankful For - Happy Thanksgiving!
    2025/11/27
    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 ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    25 分
  • Anthem Rugby Club, Worst to First? - GM Mark Carney

    Anthem Rugby Club, Worst to First? - GM Mark Carney
    2025/11/21
    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 eaglesoverseas@comcast.net 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. John@rugbymorning.com http://www.rugbymorning.com Show Links: American Rugby Rising Rugby Morning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 分