Rugby Wrap Up

WASHINGTON, DC - It may have been a sleepy, summer week outside, but that didn't keep Major League Rugby from making some news with it 2026 MLR Draft. And the MLR Weekly staff "battled" through visits to the beach and mountains to stay on top of it, even getting an exclusive with the #1 pick overall (Old Glory, DC). Logan Bellinger of Life University. PLUS, we have an important follow-up with Shane Young, CEO of the U.S. Rugby Foundation. LAST BUT NOT LEAST is the return of John Fitzpatrick from his L.A. walkabout to recap the draft with Matt McCarthy. The duo also bring you up to speed on the Eagles and their upcoming matches overseas. And... Be sure to watch the The Rugby Odds: https://rugbywrapup.com/category/the-rugby-odds/

The Rugby Odds

The Rugby Odds

MLR Weekly: Youth Gurus Rob Banford/Steve Johnson, GARs Lance Cavanaugh, Phaidra Knight, Steve Lewis by Matt McCarthy

The Rugby Odds — Season 6, Episode 40 NEW YORK, NY - We're back from a short break and there's much to cover. Our All-Star panel has you covered after their collective 3-week sojourn, and they're in fine form. In just 25 minutes, you'll get answers, opinions and predictions, along with exclusive highlights and pundit slap-fight or two. THE PANEL: John Bradshaw Layfield: #WWE legend & passionate rugby advocate. And he likes chicken. A lot. George Hook: Fearless Irish pundit with zero filter Mike Friday: 3X Olympic 7s coach and tactical mastermind King Gift Egbelu: Inventor of Words and rugby evangelist Matt McCarthy: Heroic host holding it together. Sort of. The Rugby Odds — Season 6, Episode 40 NEW YORK, NY - We're back from a short break and there's much to cover. Our All-Star panel has you covered after their collective 3-week sojourn, and they're in fine form. In just 25 minutes, you'll get answers, opinions and predictions, along with exclusive highlights and pundit slap-fight or two. THE PANEL: John Bradshaw Layfield: #WWE legend & passionate rugby advocate. And he likes chicken. A lot. George Hook: Fearless Irish pundit with zero filter Mike Friday: 3X Olympic 7s coach and tactical mastermind King Gift Egbelu: Inventor of Words and rugby evangelist Matt McCarthy: Heroic host holding it together. Sort of. WHAT'S INSIDE: What Caught Your Eye? • Ma'a Nonu's haka • Boks vs All Blacks • USA wins again! •17 tries in Currie Cup game! Player of the Week Who deserves the honors? •Marcell Coetzee •Colby Miln •Chay Fihaki Grown A$$ Man The toughest of the tough: •Neels Volschenk •Harry Wilson •Jed Melvin AND DON'T MISS... MLR Weekly with USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren. Find All Here: -Web: http://www.RugbyWrapUp.com -Twitter: https://twitter.com/RugbyWrapUp @RugbyWrapUp, @Matt_McCarthy00, @JonnyLewisFilms, @LizardRugby, @LanningZach, @ColbyMarshall2, @Junoir Blaber, @JWB_RWU, @MeetTheMatts, @Declan Yeats. -Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyWrapUp -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RugbyWrapUp -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RugbyWrapUp -Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/RugbyWrapUp #USARugby #MajorLeagueRugby #RugbyWrapUp #OldGlory #RugbyATL #MLR2020 #SixNations #WorldRugby #SuperRugby #Top14 #PremiershipRugby #Pro14 #URC #UnitedRugbyChampionship #RugbyOdds #RugbyBetting

NEW YORK, NY - On the heels of last week's enlightening segment with National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) CEO Jeremy Treece, the most important executive on the American rugby landscape, USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren, addresses the college rugby mess, the partnership with CRAA (College Rugby Association of America), NCR's partnership proposal and the future of college rugby - a huge potential money-maker - in an exclusive MLR Weekly interview with host Matt McCarthy. And be sure to watch a brand new The Rugby Odds, where John Bradshaw Layfield and Matt McCarthy battle for JWB's WWE belt. https://rugbywrapup.com/category/the-rugby-odds/

NEW YORK, NY - We're back with a BOOM from our brief vacation; a time spent collecting [some] of our marbles. Indeed our featured guest could all command a single show.

CARY, NC - The first half the World Rugby Nations Cup has come to a conclusion, and USA Rugby handled everything Portugal, Zimbabwe and Spain could throw at them. In the middle of it all (literally) was Brandon Harvey, the towering, young Chicago Hounds star. Brandon is one our two featured guests to chat with MLR Weekly host Matt McCarthy, Harvey discusses earning significant minutes with the Eagles, his development, and the confidence fueling Team USA's run. Our other featured guest could arguably be the most important rugby executive on the American landscape. CEO Shane Young of the U.S. Rugby Foundation is charged with growing the game in places it doesn't exist and/or growing it where it may already exist. Just six months on the job after building Memphis Inner City Rugby and launching Urban Rugby Americas, Mr. Young peels back the curtain and chats openly about hurdles, hope and real change.

LAKE TAHOE, CA - The World Rugby Nations Cup is littered with MLR stars, mostly on Team USA. With that, MLR Weekly host Matt McCarthy talked all things Major League Rugby and USA Rugby with American rugby legend, Lou Stanfill (3 Rugby World Cups, San Diego Legion, who "summers in Tahoe"), and rising USAR & MLR Anthem star Julian Roberts. Two completely different players, with a life-long bond.

DENVER, CO - After USA Rugby's tension-packed win over Portugal in the [World] Nations Cup, star prop Jack Iscaro talks about the victory and adjusting from Old Glory, DC in the MLR to Stade Francais in the France's Top 14. ALSO FEATURED: • Rugby Morning's ☕️ John Fitzpatrick •

Season 6 Episode 36 Our "odd" and eclectic - yet surprisingly knowledgeable panel - gets you around the globe and back in just 24 minutes, giving you top-shelf talking points around the water cooler, keg, on the pitch or at the pub.

CHICAGO, IL- There's a lot to unfold re the Chicago Hounds MLR Championship and perfect season. Helping with the task are Chicago GM Will Magie and star prop Charlie Abel. Each chat with host Matt McCarthy, who witnessed it in person. ALSO FEATURED: -

QUINCY, MA - You'd think we'd be reporting from Chicago, where the hot host Hounds will be facing off against the clicking California in the Major League Rugby Championship. BUT... New England is the reigning champion - for now - and MLR Weeky seized the chance to chat with Free Jacks owner Errik Anderson. In a spot he's not accustomed to, Anderson opens up re some awkward moments with host Matt McCarthy, and what's listed below. ALSO FEATURED: -

WASHINGTON, DC - Many of us are still twitching after the pressure-packed final weekend of Major League Rugby's regular season. Nobody was more stressed than than Old Glory, DC owner Paul Sheehy, this week's featured guest. Mr.Sheehy talks about the stress and what's listed below with MLR Weekly host Matt McCarthy. ALSO FEATURED: -

CHICAGO, IL - Hard to believe but it's the final week of the regular season. Crazy, we know. Crazier still, the three bottom teams are still alive in the playoff hunt and the Chicago Hounds have a chance to go undefeated. With that, MLR Weekly welcomes Chicago Head Coach Chris Latham, the Wallabies legend in. Coach Latham talks about the pressures of being on top, honesty in the clubhouse and host Matt McCarthy continuously picking against his team! ALSO FEATURED: -

The Rugby Odds: What France DOESN'T have, Irish Flops, URC 1/4s, JRLO semis, Spain7s, Big Opinions by Matt McCarthy

LOS ANGELES, CA - Some wild matches/results in Major League Rugby are front and center is this MLR Weekly episode, BUT... there was a major move the rocked the college rugby landscape, as UCLA announced it will be leaving the CRAA for the NCR. Head Coach Harry Bennett, former Rugby New York #10, discusses the stunning move and the new Scholar's Cup with Matt McCarthy. ALSO FEATURED: -

QUINCY, MA - There's a bit of a rumbling noise coming out of that little Major League Rugby town just outside Boston. Our intel tells us it's coming from Free Jacks HQ, as the heretofore struggling reigning champs are starting to stir. AND - they've got some REALLY GOOD players coming in to join the surge. One such player is MLR Weekly's favorite prodigal son, Andrew "Q-Train" Quattrin, who is back from the French D2. "Q" talks all about the journey and return - and who'll they will be playing in the final - with host Matt McCarthy ALSO FEATURED: -

SEATTLE, WA - There is but one player in Major League Rugby that has been with just one team since the league's inception. This individual, through all the bumps and bruises has also earned 100 caps as a Captain. Simply remarkable. Who is the super human? It's none other than MLR Weekly's featured guest, Riekert Haddingh of the Seattle Seawolves. Astonishingly, he's achieved this remarkable milestone playing in the trenches as a backrow beast. BUT... what is the one thing that has escaped his grasp in the MLR? Host Matt McCarthy peels back the curtain to find out. ALSO FEATURED: -

THE RUGBY ODDS — Season 6, Episode 27 (24 minutes)

QUINCY, MA - There will be no winless Major League Rugby team in 2026, as the New England Free Jacks (of all people!) got their first win against a much-improved Anthem team. With that, MLR Weekly is pleased to have N.E. Head Coach Ryan Martin, who had a decidedly different take than host Matt McCarthy re said win. Coach Martin put that in perspective and has a candid chat with McCarthy re topics listed below. ALSO FEATURED: -

NEW YORK, NY - Intriguing subplots are evolving in Major League Rugby's first 4 weeks. Indeed, while some thought there may be a winless team at this point, nobody saw the reigning champs having that ignominious distinction. On a more positive note, the Five-Home Legion have had good crowds in Southern California despite the travel. Star flanker Lance Williams, formerly of the Utah Warriors, talks about that and dealing with life's twists and turns with host Matt McCarthy in this MLR Weekly. ALSO FEATURED: -

THE RUGBY ODDS — Season 6, Episode 26 (24 minutes)

WASHINGTON, DC - 3 weeks of Major League Rugby's season are already in the books. And perhaps lost in the Anthem's first-ever home win and Chicago's dominance, was Old Glory beating the reigning champs - AGAIN. Withe that, MLR Weekly wrangled the architect of their win in Quincy, Head Coach Simon Cross. He talks about their good fortune vs New England and going forward. MLR Weekly also brought back the Power Pundit Prognosticators for expert analysis/predictions. All hosted by Matt McCarthy Also joining: Prognosticators John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning and Sunday Night Rugby's Will Hooley Pat Clifton on the College Rugby Corner WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN:

CHICAGO, CA - Hard to believe that two weeks are already in the 2026 Major League Rugby rear-view mirror. And that mirror is a little blurry, as we still can't say we know these teams. With that, MLR Weekly brought back the Power Pundit Prognosticators for expert analysis, and Chicago Hounds star Mason Flesch CHICAGO, CA - Hard to believe that two weeks are already in the 2026 Major League Rugby rear-view mirror. And that mirror is a little blurry, as we still can't say we know these teams. With that, MLR Weekly brought back the Power Pundit Prognosticators for expert analysis, and Chicago Hounds star Mason Flesch for a player's perspective with host Matt McCarthy. WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN:

THE RUGBY ODDS — Season 6, Episode 25 (24 minutes)

The Rugby Odds: Champions Cup, MLR History, Super Rugby, JRLO, Strong Opinions, Bold Predictions by Matt McCarthy

IRVINE, CA - Major League Rugby came back with a bang - and a history-making win for a beleaguered franchise. That's right, Anthem RC got off the schneid (Google it) after 32 consecutive losses. Unfortunately for the California Legion, they were the dubious streak-enders. MLR Weekly has it all covered, along with Anthem leader Sam Golla, who is clearly pumped to get that first win out of the way. He opens up with host Matt McCarthy. PLUS... John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning and the College Rugby Corner with Pat Clifton. Details below. WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN:

FERMANAGH, IRELAND - At long last and after MUCH angst, Major League Rugby 2026 kicks off on Saturday for its 9th season. With that, MLR Weekly is up to the pomp, featuring the league's only remaining original owner - Adrian Balfour of Seattle's Seawolves. He peels back the curtain and turns back the clock with host Matt McCarthy. PLUS...we have a Power Pundit Panel that picks the Shield winner and MLR's best player. We'll also have the College Rugby Corner. Details below. WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN:

THE RUGBY ODDS — Season 6, Episode 23 (24 minutes)

NEW YORK, NY - Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day! It was bittersweet in Boston, as Free Jacks GM Tom Kindley left for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby. Tom is going home, but it's not as easy as one would think. He talks about it with host Matt McCarthy. WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN:

THE RUGBY ODDS — Season 6, Episode 22 (24 minutes)

THE RUGBY ODDS — Season 6, Episode 21

NEW YORK, NY - There was some confusion re the new Major League Rugby refereeing system, despite legendary ref Nigel Owens offering his thoughts from a bubble bath. MLR Director of Rugby Brandon Sparks looks to "clean things up" with host MLR Weekly host Matt McCarthy. WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN:

WASHINGTON, DC - In this week's MLR Weekly Old Glory Co-Owner Chris Dunlavey (who still laces the boots), talks with Matt McCarthy re wide range of topics listed below. WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN:

THE RUGBY ODDS — Season 6, Episode 20

The Rugby Odds: Borthwick Done? Farrell Converts to Reality! Super Rugby, URC, JRLO, Rugby Wrap Up by Matt McCarthy

LOS ANGELES, CA - This episode of MLR Weekly features California Legion Head Coach (and former Wallabies & Super Rugby standout) Stephen Hoiles re the merger/transformation of the existing Southern Cal Major League Rugby teams. Hosted by Matt McCarthy. WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN:

THE RUGBY ODDS — Season 6, Episode 18

NEW YORK, NY - After getting the history-making CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) signed by Major League Rugby owners and players, it's back to biz as usual for MLR Weekly. With that, a great place to start is with reigning champion New England's Head Coach Ryan Martin on to talk about the pressures of defending, league changes, saying goodbye to key players and much more, with host Matt McCarthy. WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN: 01:32: Rugby Morning's Coffee Break with John Fitzpatrick ☕️ •