The Glorious Rugby Podcast

Hosts John and Alistair talk all things Old Glory DC - match breakdowns and previews, player news, stats, all from the perspective of two dedicated fans. Releases weekly during the season and sporadically the rest of the time. About the hosts: John Fitzpatrick is the proprietor of the Rugby Morning newsletter and host of Rugby Morning Coffee Break on Rugby Wrap Up Alistair Kirsch-Poole writes for Glorious Rugby and is the proprietor of Tackle the Numbers

Wrapping Up 2025

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

12-18
33:15

MLR 2026 is on Schedule

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

12-11
42:48

New Direction for the League

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

12-05
37:14

A New Loosehead for Thanksgiving

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

11-26
30:25

Weirdly Optimistic

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

11-19
32:14

Houston, We Have a Stadium

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

11-14
54:10

Utah Goes Down

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

11-05
45:23

Big Name In, Big Name Out

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

10-29
43:51

Finally, Some Player News!

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

10-23
29:23

2026 is Happening!

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

10-16
45:03

Homegrown Player goes Abroad

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

10-09
39:55

AJ to MLR?

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

10-03
37:40

The Odds are Improving

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

09-25
38:09

Good News and Bad News

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

09-17
46:07

A Quarter of a Billion Dollars

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

09-11
48:28

Precariously Perched Eagles

Episode Notes With both Eagles still technically in contention for advancing in their respective tournaments, we break down how long their odds are and what they need to do to get there. 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

09-04
36:48

Simon Cross - How OGDC Will Take the Next Step

Episode Notes Simon Cross joined us to talk through the 2025 season, what the team needs to do to take the next step, Old Glory's draft picks, and how the league rules around rosters are changing for better or for worse. 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

08-28
53:11

Draft Day Comes Again

Episode Notes With 8 teams still left in the league, we go over some names to watch in the draft before covering the upcoming Rugby World Cup and Pacific Nations Cup action. 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

08-20
38:47

Chris Dunlavey and Paul Sheehy - MLR and Old Glory in 2026

Episode Notes With the league now down to 8 teams, we caught up with OGDC owners Chris Dunlavey and Paul Sheehy about what's been happening and what lies ahead for bit the league and the team. 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

08-14
56:40

Rumors Become Reality

Episode Notes A lot of swirling rumors became confirmed reality on Wednesday, forcing us to re-record the podcast. It's a tumultuous time in the league, so we had a lot to cover. 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

07-31
48:44

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