The Growth of Rugby in America | Chicago Hounds, MLR Culture & the Future of US Rugby

What happens when a diehard San Diego Legion founder-level fan speaks honestly about the future of rugby in California?

In this episode of Rugby 100 Club, Matt Courtright sits down with Robin Watkins to talk about San Diego Legion, the California team shift, fan frustration, rugby culture, away-day travel, Six Nations mornings at the pub, and why the rugby community keeps people coming back.

This is a real fan conversation about loyalty, identity, matchday experience, and what makes rugby different from every other sport.

Subscribe for more rugby stories, Major League Rugby talk, fan...

CONNER MOONEYHAM joins Rugby 100 Club to talk about his rugby journey, the road to becoming a professional player, tearing his ACL, fighting back through recovery, and what it takes mentally and physically to compete at the highest level. He also shares advice for young players chasing the dream, gratitude for the people who helped him along the way, and what life looks like during an MLR season.

This episode is about resilience, mindset, family, and the real story behind the grind of professional rugby. If you love Major League Rugby, player stories, and the growth of rugby...

Connor Mooneyham joins Matt Courtright on Rugby 100 Club to talk about his move from Seattle to North Carolina, preparing for a new MLR season, family life, fishing, and why rugby in America is ready to grow in a bigger way. This episode dives into the personal side of pro rugby, the future of the league, and the culture that makes the sport worth following.

If you love rugby stories, Major League Rugby, and behind-the-scenes conversations with the people building the game, subscribe and follow Rugby 100 Club for more episodes.

#Rugby #MLR #MajorLeagueRugby #RugbyPodcast #Rugby100Club...

Join us for a fun conversation about how he got into Rugby + much more.

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

#Rugby100Club #RugbyTravel #ExperienceRugby #RugbyWins #MajorLeagueRugby #Sportsmanship #TogetherWeHunt #TogetherWeTravel #TogetherWeCheer #TravelingArmy #KeepRugbySocial #youthrugby #rugbywashington #grassrootsrugby

Join us for a fun conversation about how he got into Rugby + much more. ⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯 #Rugby100Club #RugbyTravel #ExperienceRugby #RugbyWins #MajorLeagueRugby #Sportsmanship #TogetherWeHunt #TogetherWeTravel #TogetherWeCheer #TravelingArmy #KeepRugbySocial #youthrugby #rugbywashington #grassrootsrugby

Join Matt & Brock Gallagher for a fun conversation on how he got into Rugby + much more. Thanks to Bigshots Snapshots

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

#Rugby100Club​​ #RugbyTravel​​ #ExperienceRugby​​ #RugbyWins​​ #MajorLeagueRugby​​ #Sportsmanship​​ #TogetherWeHunt​​ #TogetherWeTravel​​ #TogetherWeCheer​​ #TravelingArmy​​ #KeepRugbySocial​​ #youthrugby​​ #rugbywashington​​ #grassrootsrugby​ #SeattleSeawolvesRugby #CanadaRugby

🎙Join Matt talk about Seth's road to the Championship final, what Rugby means to him + much more.

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

#Rugbytravel #Rugby100Club #Experiencerugby #rugbywins #majorleaguerugby #texassports #grassrootsrugby #HoustonSaberCats #texasrugby #sethsmith #togetherwehunt #togetherwetravel #togetherwecheer #travelingarmy #socialtime #friendships #keeprugbysocial

🎙Join Matt for a conversation with Mike Brown about Coaching at the highest level in America Rugby within Major League Rugby

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​​ @mikebrownrugbycoach #coachmikebrown #RugbyTravel​​​ #ExperienceRugby​​​ #RugbyWins​​​ #MajorLeagueRugby​​​ #Sportsmanship​​​ #TogetherWeHunt​​​ #TogetherWeTravel​​​ #TogetherWeCheer​​​ #TravelingArmy​​​ #KeepRugbySocial​​​ #youthrugby​​​ #grassrootsrugby​​ #SeattleSeawolvesRugby​ #MichiganRugby #HoustonRugby

🎙Join Matt for a conversation with Cammy Orr about playing at the highest levels in Rugby

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​​ @cammyorrrr #SeattleSeawolvesRugby #RugbyTravel​​​ #ExperienceRugby​​​ #RugbyWins​​​ #MajorLeagueRugby​​​ #austrailanrugby #rugbytravel

🎙Join Matt & Justin Hickey for a conversation about Coaching at the College level at Notre Dame 🍀

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​​ @justinmhickey #coachjustinhickey #RugbyTravel​​​​ #ExperienceRugby​​​​ #RugbyWins​​​​ #collegerugby #Sportsmanship​​​​ #TogetherWeHunt​​​​ #TogetherWeTravel​​​​ #TogetherWeCheer​​​​ #TravelingArmy​​​​ #KeepRugbySocial​​​​ #youthrugby​​​​ #grassrootsrugby​​​ #MichiganRugby​ #IndianaRugby​

🎙Join Jamie McFarland & Matt for a conversation about Bend Rugby & Cascade Classic Tournament 🗓

August 23rd, Pine Nursery Park, Bend OR.

https://www.bendrugby.org/

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​​ @_jamie_mcf #BendRugby #MensBendRugby #OregonRugby #PNWRUGBY #RugbyTravel​​​​​ #TouchRugby #ExperienceRugby​​​​​ #RugbyWins​​​​​ #collegerugby​ #Sportsmanship​​​​​ #TogetherWeHunt​​​​​ #TogetherWeTravel​​​​​ #TogetherWeCheer​​​​​ #TravelingArmy​​​​​ #KeepRugbySocial​​​​​ #youthrugby​​​​​ #grassrootsrugby​​​​

🎙Join Matt "Wags" Wagner & Matt for a conversation about layers of Chicago Rugby🍀

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​​ @iammattwags #ChicagoRugby #ChicagoLionsRugby #ChicagoBlazeRugby #ChicagoGriffinsRugby #ElegantViolence #RugbyTravel​​​​​ #TouchRugby #ExperienceRugby​​​​​ #RugbyWins​​​​​ #Sportsmanship​​​​​ #TogetherWeTravel​​​​​ #TogetherWeCheer​​​​​ #TravelingArmy​​​​​ #KeepRugbySocial​​​​​ #YouthRugby​​​​​ #GrassrootsRugby​​​​ #GentlemenHolligans

🎙Join Jacob Gonzales & Matt for a chat about Refereeing Rugby 🟨🟥

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​​ @squirrel_nutsworth #AztecRugby​ #uptheAztecs #MLRref #RugbyRefereeing #Refereeing #ElegantViolence​ #RugbyTravel​​​​​​ #ExperienceRugby​​​​​​ #RugbyWins​​​​​​ #Sportsmanship​​​​​​ #TogetherWeTravel​​​​​​ #TogetherWeCheer​​​​​​ #TravelingArmy​​​​​​ #KeepRugbySocial​​​​​​ #YouthRugby​​​​​​ #GrassrootsRugby​​​​​ #GentlemenHolligans​

Join Robin Kaluzniak & Matt for a chat about Reffing at the highest levels. 🟨🟥

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​ #RobinKaluzniak #WorldRugby #MLRref #RugbyRefereeing #Reffing #ElegantViolence​ #RugbyTravel​​​​​​ #ExperienceRugby​​​​​​ #RugbyWins​​​​​​ #Sportsmanship​​​​​​ #TogetherWeTravel​​​​​​ #TogetherWeCheer​​​​​​ #TravelingArmy​​​​​​ #KeepRugbySocial​​​​​​ #YouthRugby​​​​​​ #GrassrootsRugby​​​​​ #GentlemenHolligans​

Join Joe Taufete'e & Matt about breaking world records & playing RUGBY at the highest levels. 🇼🇸 🇺🇸

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​​ @JoeTaufetee_ ‎⁨@USARugby⁩ ‎⁨@NOLAGOLDRUGBY⁩ ‎⁨@seattleseawolvesrugby⁩ ‎⁨@HoustonSaberCats⁩ ‎⁨@USMLR⁩ @Lin #SeattleSeawolvesRugby​ #RugbyTravel​​​​ #ExperienceRugby​​​​ #RugbyWins​​​​ #MajorLeagueRugby​​​​ #rugbytravel​ #SeattleSeawolvesRugby​ #RugbyTravel​​​​ #ExperienceRugby​​​​ #RugbyWins​​​​ #MajorLeagueRugby​​​​ #rugbytravel​

In this special episode, we sit down with rugby veteran Devin Short as he opens up about his retirement from his career.

Devin reflects on his most pivotal moments, the highs and lows of his journey, and the invaluable life lessons he's gained along the way. Whether you're a rugby fan or just in search of inspiration, you won’t want to miss this episode.

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

#Rugbytravel​ #Rugby100Club​ #Experiencerugby​ #USARUGBY​ #rugbywins​ #majorleaguerugby​ #vegasrugby #grassrootsrugby​ #sandiegolegion #NOLAGOLDRUGBY #DevinShort #togetherwehunt​ #togetherwetravel​ #togetherwecheer​ #travelingarmy​ #socialtime​ #friendships​ #keeprugbysocial​

Join Brad "TUX" Tucker as Matt asks Qs about his daily routine, struggles and much more.

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​​ @Brad Tucker @⁩ChicagoHounds ‎⁨@⁩NewYorkIronworkers #SeattleSeawolvesRugby #RUNY ‎⁨#USMLR⁩ #RugbyTravel​​​​ #ExperienceRugby​​​​ #RugbyWins​​​​ #MajorLeagueRugby​​​​ #rugbytravel​​

Join Brad "TUX" Tucker & Matt catch up and talk about the 2025 upcoming season.

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

@Rugby100Club​​​

@Brad Tucker

@⁩ChicagoHounds

@⁩NewYorkIronworkers

#SeattleSeawolvesRugby

#RUNY ‎⁨

#USMLR⁩

#RugbyTravel​​​​

#ExperienceRugby​​​​

#RugbyWins​​​​

#MajorLeagueRugby​​​​

#rugbytravel​​

In this episode, I chat with Phil Groves, minority owner of the Chicago Hounds! We dive into fan culture, Malört tales, and our travels to Asia. Plus, we break down the Hounds vs. Freejacks match on April 19 and highlight our rugby social event on April 18. Join us for all the rugby excitement!

🎙Join Marques Goodwin & Matt catch up, talk life & referring rugby at all levels.

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

#MarquesGoodwin #Rugbytravel #Rugby100Club #Experiencerugby #USARUGBY #rugbywins #SoCalRugbyRefs #majorleaguerugby #socalrugby #grassrootsrugby #SouthernCaliforniaRugbyReferreeSociety #togetherwehunt #togetherwetravel #togetherwecheer #travelingarmy #socialtime #friendships #keeprugbysocial

Join us as we sit down with Ollie Gilpin, Senior Strategist for OS studios who work with MLR to build fandom in 2026 Senior, to explore how the sport is igniting fandom across America. Ollie dives into the strategies behind growing a passionate fanbase, expanding the league’s footprint, and building rugby’s future in the U.S. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the game, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration!

⭐️Rugby for the people, by the people 💯

#Rugbytravel​​ #Rugby100Club​​ #Experiencerugby​​ #rugbywins​​ #majorleaguerugby​​ #Fandom #grassrootsrugby​​ #togetherwehunt​​ #togetherwetravel​​

Join Matt and guest Josh Shibata as they dive into the fire and heart of rugby. From a coach’s unexpected twist to why Chicago looks dangerous this season, the unique camaraderie of the sport, and the dual nature of player Luke White. It’s all here—tune in!

Join, me, Matt Courtright, sit down for a laid-back lunch chat with Pagopagohokma Haini & Michael ‘Handii’ Hand II, fresh off a school assembly about rugby.

We dive into Handii’s nickname, chat about the kids’ reactions, discuss Major League Rugby players they’ve teamed with, and dream of future trips to South Africa with the Seattle Seawolves. A casual conversation with plenty of rugby spirit!”

Welcome to the Rugby 100 Club Podcast with Matt Courtright — where we talk about the growth of rugby across the United States 🇺🇸.

In this episode we dive into the latest updates around American rugby, including discussion around Major League Rugby, the Chicago Hounds, rugby culture, and the people helping grow the game across the country.

Rugby in America is building momentum — from grassroots clubs to professional teams — and we explore what’s happening behind the scenes, the community around the sport, and why the future of rugby in the U.S. is exciting.

Whether you're a longt...

Join us as we sit down with the Voodoo Old Boys Rugby team, & chat up their tournament on April 18, 2026.

We dive into the camaraderie of rugby culture, the friends we've made along the way, and the passion that fuels every scrum. Whether you're a rugby fan or love a good story, you’ll feel like part of the team!

The 2026 MLR season is here, and Rugby 100 Club is breaking down one of the most interesting Week 1 matchups: California Legion vs Anthem. Matt Courtright and Paul Byrdak dive into roster strength, key players, team chemistry, Anthem’s growth, and what this game could mean for the season ahead.

From stacked Legion talent to Anthem’s hunger to finally break through, this episode covers the players to watch, the biggest storylines, and bold predictions before kickoff.

If you love Major League Rugby, American rugby, and honest rugby talk, subscribe to Rugby 100 Club for more weekly breakdowns, inte...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring evolution of a rugby player who went from battling it out on the pitch to guiding the next generation as head coach of the Chicago Hounds. Listen to his personal stories—from his playing days, the challenges of the transition, and the passion that fuels his coaching today. If you love rugby, leadership, and behind-the-scenes journeys, this is for you. Subscribe and join us as we explore the heart of the game on and off the field!

Statistics & Information supported by North American Rugby Database: https://narugbydb.com/ & other re...

Major League Rugby continues to grow across the United States, and in this episode of the Rugby 100 Club Podcast, Matt Courtright sits down with Paul Byrdak to talk about two standout MLR clubs — the NE Free Jacks vs Chicago Hounds. The Free Jacks and the Hounds are shaping up to be one of the most interesting matchups in MLR right now.

From structure and physicality to momentum and identity, this breakdown looks at what each side brings—and what it could mean for the rest of the season.

Is this a true power shift in Majo...

Welcome to Rugby 100 Club, hosted by Matt Courtright — the rugby podcast built for players, fans, and anyone who loves the culture of the game.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Lizard Lewis for a conversation centered on rugby, the stories behind the sport, and the community that makes it special. From rugby culture to personal experiences in and around the game, this episode is for anyone who wants more than just scores and highlights — it’s about the people, the passion, and the rugby lifestyle.

If you’re into rugby podcasts, American rugby, club rugby, r...

Welcome to the Rugby 100 Club Podcast with Matt Courtright — where we talk about the growth of rugby across the United States 🇺🇸.

In this episode we dive into the latest updates around American rugby, including discussion around Major League Rugby, the Chicago Hounds, rugby culture, and the people helping grow the game across the country.

Rugby in America is building momentum — from grassroots clubs to professional teams — and we explore what’s happening behind the scenes, the community around the sport, and why the future of rugby in the U.S. is exciting.

Whether you're a longt...

Major League Rugby continues to grow across the United States, and in this episode of the Rugby 100 Club Podcast, Matt Courtright sits down with Paul Byrdak to talk about two standout MLR clubs — the Seattle Seawolves and Old Glory DC.

We dive into:

🏉 The culture and identity of the Seattle Seawolves

🏉 What makes Old Glory DC unique in Major League Rugby

🏉 The growth of professional rugby in the United States

🏉 Stories from the MLR community and the people building the game

If you're a fan of Major League Rugby...