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Welcome to Major League Rugby Kickoff . The official podcast of Major League Rugby hosted by Dan Power and Pete Steinberg. Bringing breaking news, exclusive guests, and high level analysis every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, hosted by the dynamic duo of Bill Baker of Eagles Overseas Rugby 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, Baker and Fitzpatrick 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 guest ...
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show series
 
On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast is LIVE, Bill and Fitzy spend time going over the 30-man USA Eagles roster to go up against Romania ans Scotland, who’s in and who’s out. Then, USA Eagle and Houston SaberCats Wing, Christian Dyer joins in to talk about the Eagles and this Summer’s matchups, Houston SaberCats chances of winning it all …
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On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast is LIVE, USA Men’s U20 Head Coach, Neets Gericke, join Bill and John to talk about USA’s success over Canada, qualifying for the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Edinburgh, Scotland in July. Neets, working alongside Scott Lawrence, are building a program for the future of the USA Eagles. Will they top last ye…
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At only 19 years old, Saint Mary’s College center, Dom Besag has already earned his senior USA cap, won a national collegiate title and just recently, captained USA U20’s to two consecutive wins over Canada to secure another trip to the World Rugby U20s Trophy in Scotland this July. What does it mean to get back there to Dom, and what will it take …
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On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast is LIVE, USA Eagle and Old Glory DC Center, Tommaso Boni joined Bill and Fitzy to talk about Old Glory’s season, his move from Zebre to Washington, as well as his decision to play for the Eagles. Also, Tommaso gives a great explanation of Scott Lawrence’s ZERO-G training and who should we be looking ou…
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On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast is LIVE, USA Eagle and Exeter Chiefs Women’s Player’s Player of the Year, Rachel Johnson, joins us to talk about the Eagles’ successful qualifications for WXXV1 and the 2024 Rugby World Cup. Also, how is Rachel recovering from the intense life of a fulltime club and international rugby athlete, how can…
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On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast is LIVE, USA Women’s Xvs Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka, joined Bill and John to talk about the women’s huge win over Australia, the potential of reaching WXV1 and the Rugby World Cup in Australia defeats the Black Ferns this weekend. What does this all mean for the women’s program, and does he think we wi…
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RFC Los Angeles Backrow and USA Eagle, Jason Damm joins Bill and Fitzy to talk about LA’s MLR season, his big MLR Player of the Week performance in LA’s qin over Dallas, RFC LA’s team culture, how it feels to be selected to the USA Eagles squad, and much more! And, what happened to his hair?! Be sure to check out the 2nd half of the show with anoth…
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Miami Sharks Backrow and USA Eagle, Ben Bonasso joined Bill and Fitzy to talk about Miami Shark’s season, the Shark’s win over Utah, playoff hopes, new teammates, the Miami rugby scene, or just the Miami scene alone! And much more. Also, what does it means to Ben to be selected to the USA Eagles squad again, and Ben looks back at how tough the repe…
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USA Eagle hopeful, Conner Mooneyham, “The Comeback Kid” returns to the show to talk about his long awaited return to play after missing last MLR season due to a knee injury, his Seawolves teammates Mack Mason, Sam Windsor, Joe Taufete’e and more, and their chances of winning the shield this season. Conner also shares how much it would mean to him t…
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Bill and John check in with Old Glory DC’s Collin Grosse after OG’s first home victory of the season, against Miami Sharks. What’s the latest on Collin’s injury and when could we see him return to play. Also, Collin has been named to Scott Lawrence’s 53-man expanded USA Eagles roster, how is Collin feeling about his chances to earn his first senior…
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It’s halfway through the 2024 Major League Rugby season, Bill and John welcome MLR Stats Guru, James Deeley back to the show to talk about who’s leading the way, midseason MVP picks, teams playing well and those underperforming. US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE is brought to you by QuickTap, the only sports video and analytics platform designed specificall…
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USA Eagle veteran and Chicago Hounds’ Wing, Nate Augspurger returns to the show to talk about the Chicago Hounds’ season, also his move to Chicago this year and why. Nate also shares his excitement about this year’s USA Eagles’ international schedule, and, how much faster is he and Noah Brown after bleaching their hair! US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE is …
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The 2024 CRC's did not disappoint. A uniquely American tournament format featured a "win and advance" style of bracket, and the excitement that came with the high stakes was exhilarating. Premier Division - 1st Place: Wheeling Back in January, Aaron Juma and Joe Iye led the Great Lakes NCR all star team to a cup final in Round Rock Texas. The two p…
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We’ve got a HUGE weekend coming up, USA vs Canada and USA Captain, Kate Zackary joined us to talk about this big match and the upcoming Pacific Four Series, not to mention, her teammates, young players coming through and Kate answered some great listener questions as well. Oh, and when will we see her back on the pitch, returning from injury? LAST …
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With the big news just released about the new domestic professional competition, Women’s Elite Rugby, who better to have on the show than WER President, Jessica Hammond-Graf, and Board Member, Koma Gandy!? Plus, USA Eagle and Beantown RFC’s Jenny Kronish joins to talk about the impact this league can have on players like herself. Will the competiti…
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Fresh off USA’s silver medal performance in Hong Kong, Jaz Gray joined the show to talk about the Hong Kong performance, the craziness of the tourney stop and 80 meter sprints! Which teammates have helped her the most in her 7s journey, and, what would it mean to her and her family to earn a spot on USA’s Paris Olympic roster this Summer. We have a…
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USA Eagle No. 458, and former Newcastle Falcon and Glasgow Warrior, Greg Peterson, joined the show to talk about joining Major League Rugby’s San Diego Legion and this year’s USA Rugby calendar. Greg shares the reasoning for leaving European rugby to move to the West coast… well, let’s just say the weather may have had something to do with it. What…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Bill and John are joined by new USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren. Bill, excited to lead our domestic game in the right direction, and what does that look like? How do fans trust USA Rugby again after bankruptcies and failures on the field. Bill also shares a bit about his background, working with MLB, MLL, MLR a…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, New England Free Jacks’ Co-Founder and CEO, Alex Magleby, joined Bill and John to talk about the Free Jacks’ winning model and improving on it. Mags shares the business side of running a team, the growth of MLR and the future of the league. New England Free Jacks are well known for their fan experience, e…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Bill & John update listeners on the latest USA Rugby news, including the women playing South Africa this weekend, USA Men vs Scotland tickets on salem and, Ryan Ye joins in to share his thoughts on the first 4 weeks of the MLR season; which teams are hot, and which are not. And, who to look out for on eac…
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In this bonus interview, Bill Baker sits down with the directors of the film, Uproar, starring Minnie Driver, Rhys Darby and Julian Dennison. Hamish Bennett and Paul Middleditch talk about the story behind the film and working with the incredible cast. Uproar is set in New Zealand in 1981, when the arrival of the South African Springboks sets off n…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Bill and John are joined by USA Eagle and the latest addition to the Queensland Reds Super Rugby squad, Charli Jacoby. In a hilarious episode, Charli talks about making that move to Australia for club rugby, her Reds teammates and style of play than she is used to playing, and what about her future USA pl…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Bill & John welcomed Houston SaberCats Flyhalf, Davy Coetzer, to catch up on Houston’s season, one of only two teams remaining in MLR undefeated, albeit early in the season. Also, we talk about his Houston teammates, and what are Davy’s international plans? Does he have USA Eagles’ plans once qualified? B…
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After winning 14 straight, the defending champs lost at the death in their home opener against rival Old Glory D.C. Jason Robertson was clutch down the stretch and drilled the game winning kick with no time on the clock. It was truly a game winning conversion (they were down 1, not tied), and it silenced a rowdy crowd in Quincy. Not only did Robert…
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Historical Record: 32-42-3Week 1 Result: 22-15 loss to HoustonSkinny: The Utah Warriors have always been an MLR staple. There's no prettier backdrop than the snow kissed mountains just west of Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman Utah. The Warriors will be missing legend Lance Williams as he pursues Olympic dreams with the Eagle 7's, but they won't lack …
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Historical Record: 43-33-1Week 1 Result: 25-19 win against San DiegoSkinny: The Orcas in the Pacific Northwest have been known to be some of the most intelligent hunters in the ocean. The rugby team also knows how to hunt down playoff appearances and has posted a 7-2 playoff record over their history. They have only missed the playoffs once in 2021…
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Historical Record: 51-25-1Week 1 Result: 25-19 loss to SeattleSkinny: The team may have some of the last Generation X professional rugby players on the squad, but don't forget that age is just a number. After all, 40's are the new 30's, right? Ma'a Nonu and Matt Giteau want nothing more than the MLR Shield and won't stop until it reaches the sunny …
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Historical Record: 0-0Week 1 Result: 32-29 loss vs. DallasSkinny: Atlanta packs up and moves to the sunny hills of Los Angeles. Coach Steve Brett brings with him the core of the players that won a fair share of games as the RATLers. But just like the phoenix who rose from the ashes, Rugby FCLA arises with vibrant colors! The royal blue and tinge of…
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Historical Record: 29-48 (5.5 Seasons)Week 1 Result: 22-15 win over UtahSkinny: After a tough couple years of predominantly losing, it seems like Houston has turned a corner (or a roundabout?) ... Coach Pote Human ain't taking no guff from opposing teams, and has delivered the squad to playoffs in back to back years.... only to be ousted by Seattle…
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Historical Record: 2-30 (2 Seasons)Week 1 Result: 32-29 win over Rugby FC Los AngelesSkinny: So Dallas hasn't been great so far ... no better time than now for a change. Sam Golla may be the best draft pick since the inception of the collegiate draft. The #JackalAllTrades already earned his way onto the Eagles and is now a Jackal Co-Capt. too. A we…
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Historical Record: 20-31-2 (3.5 Seasons)Week 1 Result: 18-6 loss to NOLA GoldSkinny: Moving on from Segra Field is a definite win. While the new pitch is still a ways out there, it boasts a beautiful grass surface with an accurately sized bowl for 5k fans. It's their 3rd venue since inception and they've finally checked off all three parts of the D…
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Historical Record: 36-40-1 (5.5 Seasons)Week 1 Result: 18-6 win over Old Glory DCSkinny: NOLA in a big year as they look to not only make the playoffs, but host a match in July. They have the glitz and glamour to get there, but after white knuckle defensive performance against OGDC down in the Gold Mine, it just might be DEFENSE that sees them thro…
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Historical Record: 38-15 (3.5 Seasons)Week 1 Result: 46-13 win over AnthemSkinny: Reigning Champs, and currently riding a 13 game winning streak dating back to April of 2023. There is no hotter team in the MLR so surely the pressure is on to repeat as champions. With Fort Quincy as host to the best stadium environment on the East Coast, teams will …
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Bill & John welcomed Houston SaberCats Seth Smith, the week after making his MLR debut, making him the youngest to ever suit up in the MLR. Seth, with a level head on his shoulders, is cherishing the moment, understanding how important his debut is to the Houstoun youth rugby scene, and we also talk about…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Bill and John recap Anthem Rugby Carolina’s inaugural match against the Free Jacks, including interviews with USA Head Coach, Scott Lawrence, Anthem Head Coach & USA Assistant Coach, Alama Ieremia, Anthem Wing, David Still and New England’s Tom Kindley about Anthem, what it means to the growth of USA Rugb…
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Historical Record: 0-0Week 1 Result: 23-19 Loss to ChicagoSkinny: What's sexier than buying a professional franchise in a destination city and branding it pink? Sounds like our late Giltinis, but this squad has an ownership group (see above) that isn't fucking around. You don't wear those tinted shades to a media event and not make a splash! With a…
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Historical Record: 3-13 (1 Season)Week 1 Result: 23-19 win over MiamiSkinny: Chicago has the weapons to do some damage in the East. They absorbed talent from New York and have a total of 16 Internationally capped players. How do you follow up a season with a lot of losses? By winning. It's also important they grow their fan base in year 2 and put m…
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Historical Record: 0-0Week 1 Result: 46-13 Loss to New England Free JacksSkinny: This team was put together in the final minutes of the offseason. Any wins would be outstanding considering the short timeline they were put together. World Rugby has agreed to fund the team for four years, and shows a commitment to a partnership between MLR, USA Rugby…
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Two teams folded (for now). One team packed up and relocated to the sunny hills of L.A. Another new team in the Queen City with a focus on young American MLR minutes. After Glendale came and went, followed by Gilly-Gate, did anyone actually think the MLR Front Office timeline could get any wackier?Yet here we are. Year 7 loading and the shield has …
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Bill & John bring on MLR Stats Guru, James Deeley, to preview the 2024 Major League Rugby season, kicking off this weekend. Who’s the favorite to win it all? How will the new teams, RFCLA, Miami and Anthem do? RFCLA, piggybacking off HSBC 7s and USA Rugby, will that bring us a record crowd for their first…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, USA Women’s 7s Head Coach, Emilie Bydwell, missed out on Vancouver sushi to join Bill & John to talk about the Vancouver & LA HSBC Stops, preparing for the final leg leading up to the Paris Olympics. Is Emilie getting goosebumps thinking about floating down the Seine in the opening ceremonies? You can als…
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“Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.” – David Rains Wallace In this US Rugby Happy Hour Tap Room episode, Bill & John introduce a new beer and brewery to their listeners! Don’t worry, these breweries don’t sponsor the show… so it’s game on! I mean, if they wanted to, we’re willing to take one for the team… or many. 🍺 All That …
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Will Hooley, USA Eagle #517 and co-host of The Rugby Rundown, joined Bill and John to talk about his new show, airing on The Rugby Network, MLR, USA Rugby and more. Which MLR team looks the strongest going into the new season? What does USA Rugby’s future look like with the help of Anthem Rugby Carolina. …
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“He who drinks beer sleeps well. he who sleeps well cannot sin. He who does not sin goes to heaven. Amen.” —Unknown monk In this US Rugby Happy Hour Tap Room episode, Bill & John introduce a new beer and brewery to their listeners! Don’t worry, these breweries don’t sponsor the show… so it’s game on! I mean, if they wanted to, we’re willing to take…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, USA Eagle & Anthem Rugby Carolina’s Jake Turnbull joined Bill & John to discuss leaving the Seattle Seawolves and joining the newest Major League Rugby franchise, Anthem Rugby Carolina. Jake also talks about his new teammates, what it would mean to be the ‘old guy’ on the roster and who is he rooting for …
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“Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.” – David Rains Wallace In this US Rugby Happy Hour Tap Room episode, Bill & John introduce a new beer and brewery to their listeners! Don’t worry, these breweries don’t sponsor the show… so it’s game on! I mean, if they wanted to, we’re willing to take one for the team… or many. 🍺 Raised By…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Seattle Seawolves tighthead prop, Mason Pedersen, who sits on the United States Rugby Players Association (USRPA) talks to Bill and John about the ground breaking news about the deal between Major League Rugby and its players. What does it mean for the player’s security, health and what input will they pl…
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“On victory, you deserve beer, in defeat, you need it.” —Napoleon In this US Rugby Happy Hour Tap Room episode, Bill & John introduce a new beer and brewery to their listeners! Don’t worry, these breweries don’t sponsor the show… so it’s game on! I mean, if they wanted to, we’re willing to take one for the team… or many. 🍺 Very Jalagreeño by Treeho…
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, USA Rugby General Manager of High Performance, Tamara Sheppard joins Bill and John to talk about the newest MLR franchise, Anthem Rugby Carolina and its importance to the American game’s growth on an international stage. Mirroring the Fiji Drua side, World Rugby has invested in USA Rugby’s growth leading …
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On this replay of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, the new USA Women’s XV’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka, joined Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick to talk about taking over the program, his goals for the team, the 2024 calendar and so much more. Also, who is Coach Fukofuka? Find out about his past rugby experiences. Follow @eaglesoverseas and @rugbymorning on…
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