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US Rugby Happy Hour

US Rugby Happy Hour

By: American Rugby Rising
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 US Rugby Happy Hour, 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, Bill 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.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.comCopyright 2026 All rights reserved. Politics & Government Rugby
Episodes
  • Drafting the Blueprint: Conner Mooneyham on Anthem’s Rise and the "Prime at 30" Mindset

    Drafting the Blueprint: Conner Mooneyham on Anthem’s Rise and the "Prime at 30" Mindset
    Apr 16 2026
    In this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour, we sit down with the man who started it all as the first-ever Major League Rugby draft pick, Conner Mooneyham . We kick things off with a custom jingle that perfectly captures his "electric" speed on the wing and his status as a franchise cornerstone . Conner opens up about his grueling journey back from injury, explaining how a "reset" in his nutrition and physical therapy has him feeling like he has entered his true athletic prime just as he hits his 30th birthday . We dive deep into the locker room culture of Anthem Rugby, moving past the "first win" celebrations to discuss their legitimate status as playoff contenders. From the emotional coaching style of Agustin "Cuca" Cavalieri to a candid, unfiltered take on why the new MLR refereeing system might actually be slowing the game down, this interview covers the technical and the personal. Stay tuned until the end to hear a hilarious story about Conner’s dad, "Bad Moon Rising," and his insider trading in the fantasy rugby world! 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! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ZUs7oV 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • From the Saddle to the Scrum: USA Eagle Olivia Ortiz

    From the Saddle to the Scrum: USA Eagle Olivia Ortiz
    Apr 10 2026
    In this episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, host Bill Baker and co-host John Fitzpatrick sit down with USA Eagle #289 and Sale Sharks scrum-half Olivia Ortiz. As the team prepares for the highly anticipated Pac 4 series on home soil, Olivia shares insights into the squad's preparation under new head coach Jack Hanratty and the "yes" philosophy driving their exciting new style of play. The conversation kicks off with a look at the show’s signature introduction song—a track so energetic that Olivia suggests it belongs on a pre-game hype playlist. The discussion dives deep into Olivia’s unconventional path to international rugby, moving from a national-caliber equestrian background in Michigan to discovering the sport during her senior year of high school. She discusses her "horse girl" teammates, her journey through Davenport University on a scholarship, and her current professional life in the UK with the Sale Sharks. Whether she is addressing the challenges of being a 4'11" player in a physical sport or sharing her love for her dogs back home, Olivia’s story is a testament to determination and proving the doubters wrong. —————————————— 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ZUs7oV 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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    31 mins
  • The Reset is Real: The Ultimate 2026 Major League Rugby Season Preview

    The Reset is Real: The Ultimate 2026 Major League Rugby Season Preview
    Apr 2 2026
    Bill & Fitzy welcome Rugby on ESPN Host, Will Hooley, New England Free Jacks' new GM, Todd Thornley, and MLR Co-President, Graeme Bradbury to preview the 2026 MLR Season! Kick things off with our signature high-energy intro jingle that signals it’s time for some serious rugby talk! In this episode, Fitzy and Bill sit down with the biggest names in the sport to dissect the "reset button" Major League Rugby has pressed for the 2026 season. We explore the league's strategic shift toward domestic talent, the emergence of Anthem in Charlotte, and why a leaner, 6-team league actually means a much higher standard of competition on the pitch. Will the New England Free Jacks continue their dominance, or will the veteran-heavy Chicago Hounds finally secure the Shield? From locker room insights with Todd Thornley to expert analysis from Will Hooley, this episode is the essential roadmap for every fan heading into opening weekend. Tune in to find out which dark horse teams are ready to shake up the standings! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 14 mins
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