United States men's national rugby union team

We just wanted to be brave.

And, you know, everyone will talk about the USA Eagles of this 2026 and talk about that, particularly that second half against England.

And that showcased that, you know, we know and much like the first game against argentina we went down quite quickly in the first half to around about a you know 30 to 40 point deficit but you know just the and and you know those boys just decided that no we're just going to be really brave and just move the ball um utilize our skill sets which you know they had focused on pretty much every day with alvis um and you know alvis's breakfast club which he um was meticulous at in making sure that the finer details and development of their skill assets were on point for them to trusting and be brave and utilize it So bravery can be shown in all types of ways, but it's only when your back's against the wall, you know, whether or not you decide to step up and move forward that, you know, bravery, true bravery is, I guess, showcased.

And that was a great example of it.

Now, you know, I'm sure USA fans would point to player availability and more USA players play abroad than I think people realise, but... that good feel that good vibe vibrated fast and to be I think they've lost now two consecutive games against Canada like just every time you think they've got it sorted something else happens

It feels like the Samoa question, what's the problem with USA Rugby? And I mean, there, that's a whole separate conversation.

The fact that they have so many teams that have folded in the MLR, and even when they released the squad, the touring squad of 28 or 30 players for PNC, I think like, was it 8 to 10 players had unattached clubs because they're all part of these clubs that have folded.

That's a crazy position to be in for a country that is going to be hosting World Cups.

than I was based on what I saw from the USA.

Well, let's draw that contrast now.

And you mentioned Hong Kong, and that's a nice segue for us, because the whole USA rugby thing divides opinion a lot.

And we know what's happening.

American rugby stars competing in top leagues across the globe, at least those who were not with the USA Eagles over the weekend.

I'm your host, Bill Baker.

We've got a fantastic round of action to cover across French Pro D2, New Zealand's NPC, Premiership Women's Rugby Next Gen Cup, and England's Champ Rugby.

But quickly first, USA Men, not a great performance against Japan on Saturday morning, early Saturday morning, getting dismantled pretty good in that match.

Cannot wait for September to be over for the men's Eagles.

USA Women kicked off the WXV against Ireland in high fashion, coming back from behind at half to defeat Ireland.

Great match.

We spoke with USA women's head coach Jack Hanratty about players like Tess and Lottie last week.

He played for the sevens in Rio games.

You know, it's exciting to see somebody from the, the USA rugby system go into a team like Fiji and, Um, those Oceania teams are really, you know, struggling right now with their unions, but at least, you know, from a coaching standpoint, a guy like Andrew is going to know really build something there he's he's 100 um you know committed to to help and take what he's learned at all skill levels and help these the the fiji team get where they need to be um he was also named uh mvp of the varsity match um i think uh andrew fry or eric fry and um and nick chevetta were on the team in oxford with him um for that match i think it was 20 16.

But yeah, so I mean, he's accomplished.

There's a reason he was selected.

Oh, and we have a graphic.

So just give me one second to hold this little graphic.

And, uh, you know, we have the global series and the Pacific nations cup and, and we have a ton of stuff coming up, but you know, we, we had, uh, uh, USA rugby and rugby Canada plan.

Um, you know, two big matches, but we're really going to focus back to

Hey, guys, where is this New Zealand place? [laughs]

Well, the issue that you've got now is they support their own, and elephant in the room, the USA rugby team is shite, so-

Yeah

... you've got nothing to support.

And their big thing when I was at World Rugby was, "Oh, we need to get USA Rugby into a place where they can at least, at least," was the quote, "get to the quarterfinals." And I'm like, "Heh?"

[laughs] Quarters.

"What? You get to the quarterfinals?"

This is all kind of shop window stuff, but you're right, guys.

'31, if the USA Eagles aren't a thing, then that's, that, that tournament, it's still gonna...

That tournament will work in the States.

The infrastructure is too good.

Fiji defeated Canada 45-19 to secure their final appearance for the fourth year in a row.

Japan proved too strong for the USA Eagles, winning their clash 63-14 in front of a packed Prince Chichibu Stadium.

And finally, German top seed Alexander Zverev has won the US Tennis Open, his second major title.

Eighth seed in Home Hope, Ben Shelton pulled back a set, but Zverev broke Shelton's serve in the first game of the fourth set and took the championship 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2.