Podcasts about Major League Rugby

The 2026 SVNS World Championsip concludes in Bordeaux, and with Canada's women already confirmed for SVNS 1 next season, can they set out to get a medal in thsi tournament, and end the year on a high note?Elsewhere, the Canada Men's team have their 2026 schedule (somewhat) confirmed, and the Major League Rugby regular season concludes with the Chicago Hounds getting a perfect result.

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: -

The MLR 2026 playoff picture is set, the road to the Major League Rugby Shield begins this weekend...Ryan and James recap the dramatic regular season finale that locked in the postseason, discuss the fallout for all six teams plus give their playoff predictions. They set the playoff scene with everything you need to know ahead of this weekend's semi-finals!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comAlong with the most comprehensive North American Rugby Database curated by James Deeley: https://narugbydb.com/For the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckers/@NARugbyDB  Instagram: @thefantasyruckers/@MLRStats  Facebook: thefantasyruckers   Bluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social/@narugbydb.com

As we head into the final weekend of the MLR 2026 regular season, one last musical chair remains with three teams vying for the final spot into the playoffs! On this week's episode of the Fantasy Ruckers Show, along with previewing all three matches with big implications in the Rucking Rundown, Ryan and Matt also (reluctantly) bring on the Rugby Wrap Up's Matt McCarthy and Zach Lanning to crown them fantasy MLR champions of this year's OG League.Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

The second last weekend of the MLR 2026 regular season sealed the fate of those playing fantasy Major League Rugby; either championship glory or finals heartbreak...on this week's Quick Tap Recap episode of the Fantasy Ruckers Show, James and Ryan discuss everything that went down in the penultimate week of MLR 2026 from the playoff clinchers to the last remaining playoff musical chair left for three teams fighting for elimination time. They also talk about the top fantasy MLR performers from the weekend, the numbers behind it all and give their prediction on the four teams they believe will be competing for the shield in one week's time.Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comAlong with the most comprehensive North American Rugby Database curated by James Deeley: https://narugbydb.com/For the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckers/@NARugbyDB  Instagram: @thefantasyruckers/@MLRStats  Facebook: thefantasyruckers   Bluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social/@narugbydb.com

In Episode 76, we're diving deep into the state of USA Rugby with Rob “The Hammer” Hammerschmidt and Scott “The Big Guy” Ferrara from the Rugby Rant podcast. With the Eagles set for a huge summer of Test rugby, we break down the upcoming Nations Cup fixtures, talk through who should be in the 23 for the first match against Portugal in Denver, and look ahead to what this stretch means for the future of the national team.We also get into the current Major League Rugby season, including the latest standings, the teams building momentum down the stretch, and the ongoing challenges around viewing access and league growth in the U.S. From there, we zoom out to ask the bigger questions: is USA Rugby on track for 2031

Matty's words of advice for fantasy MLR managers heading into championship weekend?..."Be above the noise..." Find out what he means on this week's Rucking Rundown episode where he along with Ryan preview the matches coming up in MLR 2026's Week 10, give you some emergency backup waiver wire options to stash on benches for the weekend and give you other tips to best set yourself up for a fantasy MLR championship when things are all said and done this weekend!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

A whole lot of what we already knew was confirmed in Week 9, including what Ryan and James think could be the best side in Major League Rugby history...In this week's Quick Tap Recap episode of The Fantasy Ruckers Show to breakdown EVERYTHING that went down in Week 9 and how they feel about each team with just two weeks to go before MLR 2026 playoffs. They also discuss the top fantasy MLR performers from the weekend and the BIG role they played for fantasy managers who bought their ticket to a fantasy Major League Rugby championship matchup!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comAlong with the most comprehensive North American Rugby Database curated by James Deeley: https://narugbydb.com/For the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckers/@NARugbyDB  Instagram: @thefantasyruckers/@MLRStats  Facebook: thefantasyruckers   Bluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social/@narugbydb.com

The Fantasy MLR playoffs are here, and with mighty that have fallen, new league members emerge for a shot at a fantasy rugby championship! On this week's Rucking Rundown episode of The Fantasy Ruckers Show, Ryan and Matt give their top waiver wire options, some of whom they think could be league winners, plus go through all of this weekend's MLR 2026 Week 9 matches to discuss their top starters and give their predictions.Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

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: -

It only took until his second episode of co-hosting duties to claim his territory in fantasy MLR as NA Rugby DB's James Deeley takes down the TFR boys to snatch a playoff spot...and it all happened in MLR 2026's Week 8 that shook up the league's postseason picture! On this week's episode of The Fantasy Ruckers Show, Ryan and James recap the weekend's three matches, discuss what they learned and how it changes their perception as we inch closer to playoffs. They also breakdown the players that helped get fantasy managers to elimination time, and ultimately keep their fantasy MLR championship hopes alive!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comAlong with the most comprehensive North American Rugby Database curated by James Deeley: https://narugbydb.com/For the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckers/@NARugbyDB  Instagram: @thefantasyruckers/@MLRStats  Facebook: thefantasyruckers   Bluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social/@narugbydb.com

As we head into the last week of the fantasy MLR regular season, some managers are scratching & clawing to book their ticket into the playoffs...while other managers look ahead to a fantasy championship title! On this week's Rucking Rundown episode of The Fantasy Ruckers Show, Ryan and Matt preview the full slate of Week 8 matches, give their take on how and who you can pickup to maximize chances of a playoff push plus a full breakdown of other waiver wire options! Devin also has a final week fantasy tip that could be the difference between making or missing the playoff cut!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

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: -

Following a MLR 2026 Week 7 weekend that shook up Major League Rugby AND fantasy MLR, we usher in a new era of The Fantasy Ruckers Show with a special guest turned permanent collaborator! Like salt and pepper, bacon and eggs, and any other iconic pairing you can think of MLR stats joins forces with fantasy MLR with NA Rugby DB's James Deeley joining the TFR team as our weekly Quick Tap Recap co-host with Ryan Ye. On this week's episode James and Ryan react to everything that went down in Week 7, go over the weekend's top fantasy performers plus some interesting nuggets you'll want to know to get the upper hand in your fantasy matchups!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comAlong with the most comprehensive North American Rugby Database curated by James Deeley: https://narugbydb.com/For the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckers/@NARugbyDB  Instagram: @thefantasyruckers/@MLRStats  Facebook: thefantasyruckers   Bluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social/@narugbydb.com

Jake Mangin, Head Coach of Chilean professional team Selknam joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, for another state of play chat around Super Rugby Americas. Following on from similar State of Play chats on League One in Japan, and Major League Rugby in the US, Jake provides first hand insight into the origins and structure of the eight-team Super Rugby Americas competition in South America, how good of a job it's doing in developing players for Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, and how the 2026 season is playing out for the competition and his team. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby More on Super Rugby Americas here: https://www.superrugbyamericas.com/ Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: -

Following what Ryan and Matt consider the toughest byemageddon in ALL the years they have been doing fantasy MLR, the boys recap the Week 6 matches and the players who came through when it mattered most. They also discuss the top five fantasy MLR players halfway through the season, breakdown how you can take advantage of the post-byemageddon waiver wire and give their too-early predictions of the upcoming week of fantasy Major League Rugby!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

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: -

The first and only byemageddon of MLR 2026 is here and its back with a vengeance...fantasy managers will be scrambling to the waiver wire to fill those lineups but no fret, The Fantasy Ruckers are here! After going over all of Week 5's top fantasy Major League Rugby performances, Ryan and Matt discuss the top options on the waiver wire to stream ahead of a Week 6 with just two matches. Devin also joins the show to give advice to those who have begun their fantasy seasons slow plus gives you his inside scoop into the cash cow that has been scoring him big in this week's TFR Betting Challenge.Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

US-based podcaster and commentator David Lawrence joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby this week, for a deeper dive into the current state of play around Major League Rugby in the United States. MLR had one of the roughest off-seasons in the history of professional rugby at the end of their 2025 season, when four clubs – Utah, Houston, NOLA, and Miami – all announced they were suspending operations for 2026, and two further clubs in San Diego and Los Angeles merged. What was an eleven-team, two conference competition is now six teams dotted to all corners of the USA. So how is MLR travelling now, just over a month into the 2026 season? Is this the reset the league needed, will any of those clubs return, and what does it all mean for USA Rugby, who will host a Rugby World Cup in just over five years' time? #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby Find David's ‘Scrum of the Earth' podcast, along with his MLR-focussed pod, the ‘Maul Street Journal' wherever you get your podcasts. Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: -

After Week Four of MLR 2026, some fantasy managers are flying high after another round of some BIG time player performances! On this week's episode of The Fantasy Ruckers Show, Ryan and Matt recap those fantasy stud outings, share their overall feelings on each team so far, plus give their thoughts and possible options on what has become a barren waiver wire heading into Week Five! Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

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:

It feels good to have fantasy MLR rollin' and the boys are ready to breakdown a full slate of week 3 matches that had our highest point scorers this season thus far! Ryan & Matt recap the weekend's top fantasy performers, share their thoughts on the early outlook of teams and give you some options for the first waiver wire of MLR 2026. Devin also joins the show to give some rookie tips for those dabbling in fantasy MLR for the first-time and of course talk about what he's looking for this weekend when it comes to his bets on Major League Rugby.Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comCheck out James Deeley's North American Rugby Database: https://narugbydb.com/For the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

Watch or listen to episode 319 of the Digital and Social Media Sports Podcast, in which Neil chatted with Alex Magleby, Co-President of Major League Rugby. Alex discusses his journey from US national team rugby player and early sports analytics entrepreneur to co-founding the New England Free Jacks and now serving as Co-President of Strategy … Continue reading Episode 319: Alex Magleby on Developing Major League Rugby Fans, the Entertainment-First Match Experience, and Capitalizing on the 2031 Rugby World Cup

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:

Our great coach on this episode is Eddie O'Sullivan Eddie played Rugby at provincial level in Ireland and started coaching after becoming a PE teacher. He would go on to coach Rugby for 35 years and counting across the USA, France and Ireland. This journey has led his to coach at 5 Rugby World Cups and to win three triple crowns leading Ireland. That Irish team won 50 tests under his leadership and climbed to the #3 world ranking. In recent years he has been Technical Advisor to Brown University and Notre Dame in recent years and currently consulting with a number of Major League Rugby franchises in the US. Q: What role does leading innovation play in my leadership?Q: Am I too unemotional as a leader?Q: Is the idea of one voice at a time, the right idea for my organization?If you would like to send us any feedback or if you know a great coach, who has a unique story to share, then we would love to hear from you, please contact us at paul@thegreatcoachespodcast.com or contact us through our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There might have been only one match to open MLR 2026 but there surely is no shortage of stuff to talk about, and this week The Fantasy Ruckers bring on a couple special guests to join in on the discussion! On this week's episode of The Fantasy Ruckers Show, Ryan is joined by fill-in co-host John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning to react to Week 1 of Major League Rugby along with breaking down what to expect in Week 2 and more importantly the first weekend of fantasy MLR. NA Rugby DB's James Deeley also pops by to share some interesting stats fantasy MLR managers may be interested in, plus Devin makes his picks in this week's TFR Betting Challenge!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comCheck out James Deeley's North American Rugby Database: https://narugbydb.com/For the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

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:

In the words of the Black Eyed Peas...Let's Get (MLR 2026) Started!!! Week 1 of Major League Rugby's 2026 season is FINALLY here, which means fantasy drafts have begun and the boys are here to help with your last minute prep. Matt and Ryan take you through a three-round mock draft, breakdown the opening weekend match between the California Legion and Anthem Rugby Carolina along with talking the latest around the league. Devin also joins the show to chat about his picks for the TFR Betting Challenge and a message to those competing against the defending champ in our listener league!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

In a BEEFY episode, the boys take out their crystal ball, look into the future and reveal their predictions for the top five fantasy MLR players at each position! Ryan and Matt break out their notes, talk about who will be among the best players this MLR 2026 season and why they need to be on your watch list heading into fantasy drafts. It's also LAST CALL for anyone who wants to play fantasy MLR this season as they reveal the participants of this year's OG league!

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:

It was all eyes on BC, as SVNS returned to Vancouver, with the men's 7s team taking part in the Tek Tri-Nations Challenge. A mix of fortunes for the teams, as there were losses to be avoided, and wins that were well earned, on an action-packed weekend, though the crowd turnout was disappointing.In other news, players are getting picked up to play overseas, and Major League Rugby has decided to ditch TMO for the Referee Review System...which sounds very similar to TMO. Or VAR.

The boys get into the nitty gritty of the upcoming fantasy Major League Rugby season! From changes we will notice in the matches themselves (i.e. the Referee Review System) to a new fantasy MLR structure, Matt & Ryan react and discuss about all things new we will see in MLR 2026. They also give a teaser to their yearly position rankings with interesting tidbits they noticed from this year's crop of player and continue to get warmed up for MLR betting with some Six Nations and Super Rugby picks in the TFR Betting Challenge.

The 2026 Major League Rugby season is less than a month away, the countdown to the upcoming fantasy MLR season has begun! And what better way to kickoff the month of March then to bring on a familiar name that makes his return to the fantasy rugby scene...MLR Stats and NA Rugby DB's James Deeley joins the show to chat about his outlook of the upcoming year, talks his favorite signings and announces he's back for some fantasy fun. Ryan and Matt also discuss the latest roster moves and continue to warm up their MLR betting chops in the TFR Betting Challenge with Six Nations and Super Rugby.

We have a fantasy MLR rookie on our hands...but he certainly is not a rookie when it comes to playing in Major League Rugby...friend of the show and long-time MLR player Andrew Coe joins Ryan and Matt with an exciting announcement...the former RFCLA & New York Iron Workers winger is set to play fantasy MLR in 2026! the boys also chat about hanging up the pro rugby cleats, thoughts on the California Legion, the CBA and the outlook of the upcoming season!

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 ☕️ •

For the first-time in the nearly decade history of the league, Major League Rugby has a Collective Bargaining Agreement with its players. Ryan and Matt discuss the MLR/USRPA/MLRPA CBA, reacting and breaking down all the letters associated with the historic agreement. The Ye brothers also discuss the roster announcement of two more teams for MLR 2026, remaining wave of signings and some other rugby around the world in the TFR Betting Challenge. Plus, an update on how to participate in fantasy MLR for the upcoming season with a teaser of what's to come.As mentioned in this week's show (Ep.179): MLR, USRPA, and a CBA: What does it all mean? (North American Rugby Database/MLR Stats' James Deeley): https://narugbydb.com/mlr-usrpa-and-a-cba-what-does-it-all-mean/MLR, Players Association Reach Agreement (Goff Rugby Report): https://goffrugbyreport.com/news/mlr-players-association-reach-agreementMajor League Rugby secures first CBA with players (Sports Business Journal's Irving Mejia-Hilario): https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/02/11/major-league-rugby-secures-first-cba-with-players/Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

NEW YORK, NY - Some CRITICAL history was made this week in Major League Rugby that may have been lost in the Bad Bunny vs Kid Rock Super Bowl hangover/shadows. But MLR Weekly is here to make certain you are up to speed on this LANDMARK AGREEMENT between players and owners. This first-ever, SEASON-SAVING Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was reached after 6 months of trying, sometime acrimonious negotiations. In the thick of it were this week's guests MLR Co-President Graeme Bradbury and United States Rugby Players Association Executive Director Chris Mattina, who candidly describe the process and answer questions from host Matt McCarthy WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN: 1:22: Rugby Morning's Coffee Break with John Fitzpatrick ☕️ •

As we get closer to another Fantasy Major League Rugby season, we anxiously wait for teams to be finalized! Ryan and Matt discuss the latest signings, many of which come from the California Legion, that has sparked our roster number tracker. You can probably guess which team lags behind and Matt ain't happy about it. The boys also discuss what USA Eagle's 2026 training camp roster reveals plus get their rugby betting chops going with the first TFR Betting Challenge of 2026 beginning with some Super Rugby & Six Nations.Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

We have a rundown of questions for our special guest on this week's episode of The Fantasy Ruckers Show! Former USA Eagle & host of The Rugby Rundown plus so much more, Will Hooley joins Ryan to chat about a crazy offseason, expectations for Major League Rugby 2026 and thoughts on the future of rugby in the US. Ryan also recaps all the latest signings plus their fantasy impact with Matt, along with chatting some fantasy football/fantasy MLR crossover with Devin!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

CHICAGO, IL - The United States may be FREEZING in many cities, but Major League Rugby 2026 is heating up. And while no MLR city is colder than Chi-Town, the hometown Hounds hope to be hotter than Hades out of the gate. With that, featured guest and new Chicago GM Will Magie (how's that pronounced?) talks with Matt McCarthy on this MLR Weekly episode about the team, the city, their home game in Nashville, working in/with the community, his playing career, PRO Rugby USA, the Denver Stampede and the pathway to his new gig. WHAT'S INSIDE AND WHEN: 1:03: Rugby Morning's Coffee Break with John Fitzpatrick ☕️ •

This week, the lads sit down with Canadian hooker, and 3x Major League Rugby champion, Andrew Quattrin!Andrew discusses his time at Wilfred Laurier, going straight into professional rugby with the Toronto Arrows, making the move to New England via Utah, a brief stint in Manawatu, and his recent move to Valence, all the while wearing the Canadian jersey, as he talks about the success and sacrifices of his rugby journey.

More Major League Rugby signings continue to come in as we narrow down the player field for the upcoming Fantasy MLR season! Ryan and Matt react to all the latest signings, team by team, and breakdown their fantasy impact. Devin also tells everyone why new MLR fans NEED to play fantasy rugby this season. And to round out the show, some juicy early predictions including who the boys think should be the number one overall pick this year and break the TFR curse!Check out our website to stay up to date with the latest fantasy MLR stats, top players and league updates: www.thefantasyruckers.comFor the video version of the show head to our channel on Youtube.Interact with The Fantasy Ruckers community and stay up to date with The Fantasy Ruckers Rugby League on our discord channel!Stay up to date with the league by following us on socials!X: @FantasyRuckersInstagram: @thefantasyruckersFacebook: thefantasyruckersBluesky: @thefantasyruckers.bsky.social

NEW YORK, NY - Learning from its past is a big part Major League Rugby 2026, and the Utah Warriors are/were a huge part of that history. With that their last Head Coach, Greg Cooper, joins MLR Weekly. Coach Cooper joins host Matt McCarthy from Japan's JRLO Green Rockets for a candid chat re what happened with the Warriors, MLR's future, the leagues playing each other, and his new team in Japan Rugby League One. ALSO INCLUDED: 1:00 — Rugby Morning's Coffee Break w/ John Fitzpatrick ☕️ •

It's our year-end Holiday Roundtable Spectacular, featuring a look back at the year's newest additions to "what used-to-be" in big-time sports (RIP Pro Volleyball Federation, Utah Hockey Club, three UFL teams, half of Major League Rugby, and the NCAA's LA & Bahamas Bowls); AND semi-educated guesses as to what might be ahead for 2026 - with three of our favorite fellow defunct sports enthusiasts: Paul Reeths (OurSportsCentral.com, StatsCrew.com; Episode 46); Kenn Tomasch (Kenn.com, Soccer Rewind; Episode 39); and Scott Adamson (Adamsonmedia.com; Episodes 184 & 240). Buckle up for our annual mashup of amusement and bemusement at the fringes of the pro sports establishment, as we simultaneously marvel at and lament some of the most curious events of the past year, debate who and what might be next to stumble into oblivion, and conjecture about future scenarios for the next generation of defunct and otherwise forgotten pro sports teams and leagues - including: UFL Year 3 NASCAR antitrust trial aftermath MLB's A's, Rays & realignment NFL international expansion & flag football MLS calendar reset & conference realignment An NBA European league? MiLB's private equity boom The Savannah Bananas' Banana League Major League Rugby contracts Major League Cricket bickers Major League Volleyball vs. LOVB & Athletes Unlimited The Women's Pro Baseball League steps up to the plate PLUS: Will FIFA's greedy delusions of World Cup grandeur in 2026 catapult North America into soccer's global firmament - or spark a revolt among the fans it claims to serve? AND: Are we in a sports investment bubble? + + +    SUPPORT THE SHOW: Buy Us a Coffee: https://ko-fi.com/goodseatsstillavailable The "Good Seats" Store: https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=35106 BUY THE BOOKS (AND SUPPORT THE SHOW!): "The United States Football League, 1982-1986": https://amzn.to/3YD7n42 "The Home Team: My Bromance with Off-Brand Football": https://amzn.to/48QJnka SPONSOR THANKS (AND SUPPORT THE SHOW!):  Old School Shirts.com (10% off promo code: GOODSEATS): https://oldschoolshirts.com/goodseats Royal Retros (10% off promo code: SEATS): https://www.503-sports.com?aff=2 FIND AND FOLLOW: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/GoodSeatsStillAvailable Web: https://goodseatsstillavailable.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodseatsstillavailable.com X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoodSeatsStill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@goodseatsstillavailable Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodseatsstillavailable Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodseatsstillavailable/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodSeatsStillAvailable/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-seats-still-available/

DALLAS, TX - Continuing our mission to keep you updated on the significant changes Major League Rugby is undergoing, this week's featured guest, MLR Co-President Graeme Bradbury, goes the extra mile to answer burning questions on MLR Weekly with host Matt McCarthy.

LOS ANGELES, CA - After months of worry, rumor and speculation, the California Legion are on the grid. This week's featured guest, Legion CEO Adam Freier joins host Matt McCarthy on MLR Weekly and answers key questions about player signings, 5 different home venues, lessons learned from his time as the LA Gilitinis' GM, his 25 caps representing Australia, and this defining moment in Major League Rugby's history/future.

CHARLOTTE, NC - After being as quiet as a worm - yes, a worm - for months, Major League Rugby made series of social media splashes this week, with more to come. MLR Weekly regulars John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning, Bryan Ray of Americas Rugby News and host Matt McCarthy offer differing opinions re: Co-Presidents Graeme Bradbury & Alex Magleby The League Format Sunday Night Rugby Schedule Sandwiched between the above, featured guest Anthem Rugby Carolina Head Coach Augusin "Cuca" Cavalieri - the man who took a 0-16 Dallas Jackals to a playoff win over Houston - talks plainly about the challenges and expectations in the 6-team MLR, his playing days, and international coaching experience.

WASHINGTON, DC - It was a whirlwind week of rugby that included reassuring news on the Major League Rugby front, the NCR Playoffs sending host Matt McCarthy to Oklahoma, and the USA Men's Eagles playing in Romania. MLR Weeky touches all the bases, so you don't have to. Old Glory, DC Head Coach Simon Cross: Cross answers a wide range of questions with real answers, not in the Coach-Speak, non-answer jargon that American sports fans get fed every day by the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Cross is refreshingly transparent..