The Glorious Rugby Podcast

Episode Notes We talked to OGDC's defense coach Stan South about what he's up to in the lead up to training camp, what he wants borrow from the tactics of international teams, and how Young Glory is impacting the landscape of rugby across the whole region. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes A key player on the team last year, Steff Hughes joins us to talk about his decision to transition to coaching and his plans for the team's attacking strategies. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes We talked with Old Glory's General Manager of Rugby Operations Richard Merryman about his role on the team, how the roster came together, how the new rules affected decision-making, and got him to spill the beans on the few remaining unannounced players. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes Only one new signing was announced since last week, even though big holes remain in the roster. Still, at least we've heard some announcements, unlike California fans. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes We return for a new year of Old Glory banter, starting with a surprising signing, the return of some familiar faces, and a whole lot of "rugby knowledge". About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes In our last episode of the year, we cover a couple OGDC signings and the news around the league. We'll be off the next couple weeks and be back in your feeds in the new year. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes The big news is the release of the MLR schedule and what it means for Old Glory, but there have also been a bunch of player announcements and the drawing of RWC 2027 pools, making this a packed episode. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes Old Glory has brought in a new player and the league has brought in new leadership, and it looks like there's a new schedule on the way. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes Old Glory has added a new loosehead prop so we talk about how that position is shaping up, including an update on Jack Iscaro in France. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes Signings continue to roll in, the Eagles picked up a needed win, and World Rugby is shaking up the international calendar. But the league still exists and John is feeling weirdly optimistic. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes Old Glory DC continues sign quality young Americans and also finally confirmed their home stadium for 2026. However the news from around the league is darker. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes Another MLR team has pulled out of the league, leaving just 6 teams. We discuss that, before getting into Old Glory signings, Scotland blowing out the Eagles, and beer running out in Chicago. Also, AKP nails another signing. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes We talk about the good news and the bad news, a promising young player joining and a keystone player leaving. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes Teams have finally started announcing player signings, Old Glory included, and Jack Iscaro got his first start in the Top 14. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes Old Glory teased but didn't pull through on their venue change, MLR released a statement announcing that the 2026 season is happening, and also announced dramatic changes for domestic players. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes There's a lot to discuss this week with a potential change of venue for OGDC, Jack Iscaro heading to France, R360, Barbies, and more. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes A thankfully light news week gives us time to talk about the Women's RWC final, TRN+ shutting down, AJ MacGinty's future, and the continued expansion of Super Rugby Americas. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes A lot is still uncertain in Major League Rugby, but some things are starting to settle. We go over the latest rumors and dig into what it all might mean for OGDC. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes The Eagles qualified for the World Cup with a spirited win over Samoa, but chaos has returned to MLR. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP

Episode Notes With the Women's Eagles out of the World Cup and without a head coach, the Men's Eagles prepare for a pivotal matchup with Samoa, and World Rugby announcing a quarter of a billion dollar investment in the American rugby market, we have a lot to get through this week. About the hosts John Fitzpatrick Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up) Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces Twitter: @rugbymorning Alistair Kirsch-Poole Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby Runs Tackle the Numbers Twitter: @AlistairKP