Episodes

  • USA Eagle Perry Mayo on Pro D2, French Rugby & Facing Romania

    USA Eagle Perry Mayo on Pro D2, French Rugby & Facing Romania
    Nov 12 2026
    In this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour , hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down with USA Eagle and Nevers ProD2 standout Perry Mayo. Fresh off a hard-fought match against Hong Kong and gearing up for a crucial Nations Cup clash against Romania, Mayo shares his journey from the French rugby academy system to earning his cap for the United States, thanks to his American roots. Tune in as Mayo discusses the physical demands of playing in France's competitive Pro D2, transitioning to international test rugby, and how head coach Scott Lawrence's squad is building momentum toward the Rugby World Cup. The guys also break down the newly announced U.S.-Canada high-performance pathway agreement and what it means for the future of North American rugby. Don't miss this insider perspective on the state of the Eagles! —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/0xBDP-4HQqU Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more! 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. johndaniel.fitzpatrick@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • MLR Expansion, Eagles' Close Call, and Global Rugby Realities with Martin Pengelly

    MLR Expansion, Eagles' Close Call, and Global Rugby Realities with Martin Pengelly
    Nov 12 2026
    In this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour , hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are joined by rugby journalist Martin Pengelly to break down the latest seismic shifts in American rugby. The conversation kicks off with a hard look at Major League Rugby's surprising letter of intent for a potential Buffalo expansion team by 2028, the outlook for Indianapolis, and how these moves align with the road to the 2031 Rugby World Cup. Later, the panel shifts focus to the international stage, examining the USA Men's Eagles' near-disaster win against Hong Kong, upcoming Nations Cup matches against Romania, and a humorous detour into international rugby league's strange expansion efforts in the U.S. Whether you're tracking MLR squad depths or looking for expert analysis on American rugby's future, this episode delivers the insights you need. Be sure to check out Martin Pengelly's Substack, The National Maul, for more in-depth coverage! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Eagles Overseas: PWR Finals Drama, Nations Cup Thriller vs. Hong Kong & French Battles

    Eagles Overseas: PWR Finals Drama, Nations Cup Thriller vs. Hong Kong & French Battles
    Nov 9 2026
    Join Bill Baker on Eagles Overseas as we break down all the weekend action for USA rugby players competing abroad and on the international stage! From Saracens' tense PWR Next Gen Cup Final appearance featuring try-scorer Morgan Freeman and fullback Lotte Sharp, to the Men's Eagles' dramatic 28-26 come-from-behind Nations Cup victory over Hong Kong China powered by Kaleb Geiger and Chris Hilsenbeck, plus hard-hitting French Top 14 and ProD2 clashes. Tune in for all the stats, standout performances, and updates on our uncapped rising stars! Featured Players: Lotte Sharp (Fullback / Saracens - PWR) Morgan Freeman (Hooker / Saracens - PWR) Jack Iscaro (Prop / Paris - Top14) Nafi Ma’afu (Prop / Montauban - ProD2) Kapeli Pifeleti (Hooker / Provence - ProD2) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Building America's Rugby Powerhouse: Inside Rugby NorCal with CEO Nate Dalena

    Building America's Rugby Powerhouse: Inside Rugby NorCal with CEO Nate Dalena
    Nov 5 2026
    We're back with another excellent episode of U.S. Rugby Happy Hour! In this episode, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick kick things off with a little sports banter before diving into the booming youth and high school rugby landscape on the West Coast. We are joined by Rugby NorCal CEO and Fresno-based coach Nate Dalena, who breaks down what makes Northern California the largest and most vibrant state youth rugby organization in the country. Nate shares his expert insights on establishing structured league operations, bridging the gap between rugby and football through social media education, and the critical importance of introducing non-contact T1 rugby to younger age groups. We also explore the structural evolution of high school club and single-school divisions, the challenges of getting rugby on public school campuses, and why the future of American rugby is brighter than ever. Tune in for an inspiring, masterclass discussion on grassroots growth! —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/pm0Ibca65_E Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more! 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. johndaniel.fitzpatrick@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Eagles Overseas: MacGinty, Freeman, Iscaro... Many Uncapped Players making impacts

    Eagles Overseas: MacGinty, Freeman, Iscaro... Many Uncapped Players making impacts
    Nov 2 2026
    In this episode of Eagles Overseas with Bill Baker, host Bill Baker breaks down all the action from October 28 to November 1, 2026. We recap double-try performances in the PWR Next Gen Cup, key defensive efforts in Top 14 and ProD2, and standout performances from uncapped talent across the globe. Lotte Sharp (15 / Saracens - Premiership Women’s Rugby) Morgan Freeman (2 / Saracens - Premiership Women’s Rugby) Nick James (3 / Sale Sharks Women - Premiership Women’s Rugby) Olivia Ortiz (21 / Sale Sharks Women - Premiership Women’s Rugby) Kristin Bitter (10 / Montpellier - French Élite 1) Jack Iscaro (1 / Stade Français Paris - Top 14) Nafi Ma’afu (19 / US Montauban - ProD2) Kapeli Pifeleti (16 / Provence Rugby - ProD2) AJ MacGinty (10 / Bristol Bears - Gallagher Premiership) Nira Fowler (13 / DLA Piper Kowloon Rugby Club - Hong Kong Women’s Premiership) Ale Heaney (Forward/Cornish Pirates - Championship Rugby) Spencer Huntley (9 / Hartpury University - BUCS Super Rugby) Declan Cadden (23 / Leicester Tigers U23 - Premiership Academy) Aidan King (8 / Doncaster Knights - Championship Rugby) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • The National Maul: Women's Eagles Preview, Red Roses Showdown & International Rugby Insights with Martin Pengelly

    The National Maul: Women's Eagles Preview, Red Roses Showdown & International Rugby Insights with Martin Pengelly
    Oct 29 2026
    Welcome back to another dynamic segment of U.S. Rugby Happy Hour featuring "The National Maul" with veteran journalist Martin Pengelly! In this episode, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down with Martin to break down the massive weekend of international rugby coming to Sports Illustrated Stadium, highlighted by the surging USA Women’s Eagles taking on the world-class England Red Roses. Martin shares his expert analysis on the recent form of the USA squad, the phenomenal rise of breakout star Bella Vogel and Frida Tafuna, and why Canada’s historic back-to-back victories over England have completely shifted the global women's game. We also explore the men's international landscape, the realities of player development pipelines in the Top 14, and what to expect from the upcoming November tests. Tune in for an engaging, sharp-witted look at the state of rugby content and culture! —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/pm0Ibca65_E Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more! 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. johndaniel.fitzpatrick@gmail.com Martin Pengelly is a Washington-based reporter and editor. His “The National Maul” Substack about rugby in the US. His first book, Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went To War, is published by Godine. https://thenationalmaul.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Women's Rugby Growth, Red Roses Showdown & USA Eagles Updates with RugbyPass Writer Joe Harvey

    Women's Rugby Growth, Red Roses Showdown & USA Eagles Updates with RugbyPass Writer Joe Harvey
    Oct 29 2026
    Welcome back to another fun episode of U.S. Rugby Happy Hour! In this episode, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick kick things off with some lighthearted Halloween banter before diving straight into the massive weekend of international rugby coming to New Jersey's Sports Illustrated Stadium. We are joined by RugbyPass Contributing Writer and Women’s Rugby Editor Joe Harvey, who is live on the ground in the New York area to break down everything you need to know about the upcoming fixtures. Joe shares his expert insights on the surging momentum of women’s test rugby, the monumental growth of the USA Eagles under head coach Jack Hanratty, and what it will take for the Americans to challenge the powerhouse Red Roses. We also explore the global landscape of the women's game, the impact of cross-over talents, and what to expect as the USA men's side prepares to face the Australia 15s. Tune in for an engaging, deep-dive discussion into the heart of international rugby! —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/pm0Ibca65_E Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more! 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. johndaniel.fitzpatrick@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Eagles Overseas: AJ’s Premiership Win, Van Eerten Returns & Élite 1 Debut!

    Eagles Overseas: AJ’s Premiership Win, Van Eerten Returns & Élite 1 Debut!
    Oct 26 2026
    Join Bill Baker as he breaks down all the overseas rugby action featuring American Eagles from Wednesday, October 21 through Sunday, October 25, 2026. Highlights include AJ MacGinty leading Bristol Bears to a 20-7 win over Exeter, Renger Van Eerten making his season return for Provence, Nafi Ma’afu featuring in Montauban’s thriller, and Kristin Bitter making her Montpellier debut! Players Featured: AJ MacGinty (10 - Flyhalf / Bristol Bears - Gallagher PREM Rugby) Nafi Ma’afu (19 - Reserve Forward / Montauban - ProD2) Renger Van Eerten (18 - Reserve Lock / Provence - ProD2) Kristin Bitter (21 - Reserve Back / Montpellier - French Élite 1) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins