US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE

US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE

US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, hosted by the dynamic duo of Bill Baker of American Rugby Rising 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 Fitzy 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 guests, this live show is a must-attend for anyone passionate about rugby, offering a delightful intersection of camaraderie and sports analysis. Guests have included head coaches Gary Gold, Rob Cain and Mike Friday. USA Eagles Joe Taufete’e, Greg Peterson, Kate Zackary, Hope Rogers, Christian Dyer, and Hall of Famers, Dan Lyle and Todd Clever. Major League Rugby stars Mitch Wilson, Nick Civetta, Connor Mooneyham and former MLR Commissioner, George Killebrew. Those covering the news too, including Brian Ray of Americas Rugby News and Wendy Young of YSC Rugby. Join us live on Facebook and Youtube (show days and times vary), or catch the Podcast replays right here! Follow @AmerRugbyRising on Twitter and @AmericanRugbyRising on Instagram for weekly guest announcements and direct link to the live shows. HOSTS: Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising and 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

Episodes

September 25, 2025 35 mins
RWC25 Belle of the Ball, Eagle #316, Freda Tafuna In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Rugby World Cup 2025 Belle of the Ball, Freda Tafuna joins Bill & Fitzy to talk about her breakout performance, scoring 6 tries in two matches, and how a wakeup call from coach Sione Fukofuka helped her secure her RWC roster spot. Also, what’s next for her after graduating Lindenwood in the Spring? PWR? Switching codes to League? The sky is the ...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Rugby Commentator, The Rugby Rundown’s Co-Host, and Eagles #517, Will Hooley joins Bill and Fitzy to talk about USA Men finally qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and what it means for American rugby fans. Also, Will shares his opinions on USA Men’s Head Coach, Scott Lawrence’s comments about Canadian rugby, concentrating on American rugby over Canada and Pacific Islander players, a commen...
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ARP’s Newest Side, Atlanta Premier Rugby - Daemon Torres & Francesco Balsas In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill welcomes two members of the newest American Rugby Premiership side, Atlanta Premier Rugby, Daemon Torres, who many of you may remember from his Rugby ATL and Dallas Jackal playing days, and ARP’s Head Coach, Francesco Balsas to talk about starting the program and how it was built. Where do the players come from, wh...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and guest host, MLR Sideline Reporter, Thomas “Wheels” Grant are joined by this year’s Major League Rugby’s Number 1 overall draft pick, Will Sherman to talk about his rise at UCLA and becoming the 2nd player ever from UCLA to be drafted No. 1 overall, also what is he learning while playing for Randwick Rugby in Australia and what are his expectations for Anthem Rugby? Does Will aspire to b...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and Fitzy gave a fun and informative conversation with USA Eagle Tonga Kofe about his meteoric rise in rugby, going from American football players and wrestler to an international capped rugby player in merely a couple years, his success thus far resulting in a professional contract with Prem club, Leicester Tigers. The sky’s the limit for Tonga!   Follow @americanrugbyrising and @rugbym...
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RWC England Preparations, USA Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and Fitzy welcome back to the show, USA Women’s Head Coach, Sione Fukofuka, as he and the team prepare for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. Sione talks about the team’s performance against Fiji and Canada, and what will it take to defeat England in front of, what could be, the largest ever women’s 15 crowd on August 22nd?...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and Fitzy cover the latest in MLR news, specifically the news of NOLA Gold folding, perhaps just for the season, and the merger of both California’s teams. Then USA Women’s Eagle, No. 303, comes on the show to talk about her recovery from major knee injury, facing Canada this weekend and her World Cup preps. Oh, and we delve into her Trampolining past!!    Follow @americanrugbyrising and ...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour episode, Bill and Fitzy welcome USA Eagle, Makeen Alikhan to talk about making his debut. Did Canada ever come calling? Will Anthem win a game next season? And what will it mean to take the field against his former Quins teammates when USA faces England in DC. All that, and more! Be sure to tune into the 2nd half of the show with New England Free Jacks & Northland Taniwha Head Coach, Ryan Martin.   F...
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On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour, New England Free Jacks and Northland Taniwha Head Coach, Ryan Martin, joins Bill & Fitzy to talk about the Free Jacks 3-Peat and all the players who made it possible, including Pala Balakana, Brock Webster and how impactful Harrison Boyle was to the team, leaving his attorney job to return to rugby.   Be sure to listen to the 1st part of the show with USA Eagle debutant, Makeen Alikhan. Fol...
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In this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, Bill and Fitzy breakdown last weekend's actions in Pawtucket, where the New England Free Jacks defeated the Houston SaberCats to win their record breaking 3rd straight championship. An achievement no other professional team in the US has done in 23 years! Who were the game changers and stars? How did the referees do? And, can New England do it again next season? 🎧 Listen to the re...
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In this special live podcast, Bill Baker of American Rugby Rising, teams up with Ryan Ye and Matt Ye, of The Fantasy Ruckers, to bring you a live broadcast from the Major League Rugby Championship Fan Festival in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Bill, Ryan and Matt breakdown the matchup between the defending MLR Champs, New England Free Jacks, and the Houston SaberCats, making their first finals appearance. Also, MLR Commentator, Dallen St...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Bill and Fitzy return after a short sabbatical just in time to preview the MLR Championship match with the help of The Fantasy Ruckers’ Ryan Ye and the WER Legacy Cup with YSC Rugby’s Wendy Young! Who has the upper hand in Rhode Island, New England Free Jacks or Houston SaberCats? Can the New York Exiles upset the Denver ONYX in the inaugural WER Legacy Cup?  Follow @americanrugbyrising an...
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On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Bill returns alongside Fitzy to interview USA Eagle and San Diego Legion Hooker, Shilo Klein. We discuss Shilos climb in New Zealand rugby, staring with the Baby Blacks in their U20 Champions runs, then moving his way through provincial and Super Rugby, on his way to Major League Rugby and USA Eagles.  Be sure to listen to the first part of the live show with crossover athlete succes...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Bill returns alongside Fitzy to interview Houston SaberCats and USA Eagle Prop Pono Davis. Pono is that rare crossover athlete success story, going from college football to pro football, to test rugby in a mere 5 years. Pono talks about making the move to rugby, trying out for American Raptors and eventually finding his way to Houston SaberCats and into an Eagles uniform.  Be sure to check...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Fitzy and guest host, filling in for Bill, New England Free Jacks Director of Communications and Entertainment, and MLR Sideline Reporter, Thomas “Wheels” Grant, welcome USA Rugby Men’s Head Coach, Scott Lawrence. Scott, Fitzy and Wheels dive into the recently announced rugby calendar for both the men’s and women’s programs, who will be on this’ summer’s roster, and also, what are the Eagle...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Fitzy and guest host, filling in for Bill, YSC Rugby’s Wendy Young, welcome USA Eagle and Boston Banshee Foundational Member, Emily Henrich. Emily, deep into Banshee trainings, talks about her time in the PWR with Leicester Tigers and now a member of the inaugural WER Boston Banshee’s team, her teammates and more. What does it mean to her to be a part of this venture, and also, what would i...
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On this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast, Fitzy and guest host, filling in for Bill, YSC Rugby’s Wendy Young, welcome WER President and co-founder, Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf as part of an hour long show including Boston Banshee and USA Eagle, Emily Henrich. In this half of the show, Fitzy and Wendy talk to Jessica about the inaugural season kicking off very soon. Will there be a broadcast deal? How were team rosters sorted out...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Fitzy sits down with the producers of the Amazon Prime rugby documentary, “Quest For The Shield” Producers, Deidre and Justin LePera. Deirdre and Justin share how the doc was made, getting great access to the players and getting them to open up to the camera about the team’s struggles, successes, and the family vibe inside the San Diego Legion camp.   Follow @eaglesoverseas and @rugbymorni...
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In this US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE episode, Bill and Fitzy welcome Major League Rugby Director of Match Officials, David Wilkinson on to talk about what is making the entire rugby world abuzz, new 2025 MLR Trialed Laws. Are they turning union into league? Will scrums suffer? Why these implementations and why in Major League Rugby? Also, who sets these laws, MLR or Rugby Union? Will they have an effect on USA Rugby’s performance again...
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In US Rugby Happy Hour LIVE, 2024 Major League Rugby Rookie of the Year, Junior Gafa joins Bill and Fitzy to talk about signing full time with Anthem Rugby Club, his new teammates, the influence Coach Al (Alama Leremia) has on his life and career, 2025 hopes for the team’s success, and his future Eagles goals, hoping to cap for USA sooner than later! Follow @eaglesoverseas and @rugbymorning on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for t...
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