The National Maul - Honoring 9/11 & High-Stakes International Rugby

On this edition of US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick reflect on rugby’s deeply poignant connection to 9/11, honoring heroes like Mark Bingham, Jeremy Glick, and Rick Rescorla. The conversation kicks off with our signature introduction jingle, "Use it or lose it all—time for The National Maul with Martin Pengelly!" setting the stage for a deeply reflective yet expansive conversation on the game's cultural footprint.

Martin details his research into historical rugby newsletters and discusses his conversation with World Rugby's Alan Gilpin regarding bringing major international fixtures—including potential Six Nations matches—to North American soil. The panel also weighs in on the logistics of hosting the All Blacks and Springboks in Baltimore, the current health of Major League Rugby, and favorite rugby-themed movies. Tune in for a blend of poignant history, high-level sports administration analysis, and rugby banter.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Rugby Preview

02:14 - The National Maul Intro Jingle

03:00 - Rugby's Connection to 9/11 & Untold Stories

09:22 - World Rugby's Expansion & Bringing Six Nations to the US

16:35 - High-Stakes Logistics: All Blacks vs. Springboks in Baltimore

19:27 - The State of USA Rugby & Major League Rugby

25:10 - Documentary "Brothers on Three" & Favorite Rugby Movies

Links & Resources:

Read The National Maul Substack: https://thenationalmaul.substack.com