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

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! From New Zealand rugby to Cal Berkeley to Major League Rugby, Charlie Walsh has taken a unique path into professional rugby. In this episode of Rugby 100 Club, host Matt Courtright talks with Charlie about growing up in New Zealand, moving to the United States, choosing Cal, becoming a captain and national champion, and making the jump into professional rugby. Charlie reflects on his first MLR season, including the challenges of being a young draft pick, earning minutes in high-pressure situations, adapting to the professional environment and switching from tighthead to loosehead prop. They also dive into: 🏉 Charlie's New Zealand rugby roots 🇺🇸 His decision to attend Cal 🏆 Winning a national championship 👑 Leadership and becoming captain 💪 The reality of being a rookie in MLR 🔥 Competition at the professional level 🇺🇸 Growing rugby in America 🏉 Rugby Union vs. Rugby League 🌎 The impact of the 2031 Rugby World Cup 🤝 Why rugby creates such strong connections between people Charlie also shares his perspective on what makes rugby special — and why the sport's meritocratic nature can bring together people from completely different backgrounds. What do you think is the biggest opportunity for rugby in America? Listen now and join the conversation. #Rugby100Club #CharlieWalsh #MLR #MajorLeagueRugby #RugbyPodcast #RugbyUSA #CalRugby #NewZealandRugby

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What happens when a professional rugby player steps away from the pitch and into the world of reality television? 💍🏉 Host Matt Courtright sits down with former professional rugby player Devin Short for a candid conversation about life after rugby, his experience on Married at First Sight, relationships, self-discovery, and what comes next. Devin recently appeared on Married at First Sight, and in this conversation he opens up about the experience, including the intense application process and how it forced him to take a deeper look at what he wanted in a relationship and in life. But Devin's story doesn't stop with reality TV. He's building the next chapter through Validus Tackle Academy, coaching the Valley Kangaroos, working with youth rugby programs, and exploring new opportunities in entertainment, modeling and DJing. In this episode: 🏉 Life after professional rugby 💍 Devin's Married at First Sight experience ❤️ Relationships and finding the right partner 🧠 Self-reflection and personal growth 💪 Building Validus Tackle Academy 🏆 Coaching and growing rugby 🎧 DJing, entertainment and what's next 🚀 Creating a new life after rugby It's a conversation about rugby, relationships, taking chances and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. Listen now and tell us: Would you ever trust a group of experts to choose your spouse? 👀 Follow Rugby 100 Club for more conversations with the people shaping rugby in America. #Rugby100Club #DevinShort #MarriedAtFirstSight #MAFS #Rugby #MajorLeagueRugby #MLR #RugbyPodcast #RugbyUSA

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Out of the Vault! Recorded in January 2025, Matt Courtright sits down with Shawn Clark to talk about his journey from football and chasing an NFL opportunity to discovering professional rugby. Shawn shares what rugby has taught him, the importance of mental health and vulnerability, the friendships and experiences that come with the game, his journey through professional rugby, and his dream of representing the United States at a Rugby World Cup. A candid conversation about sport, resilience, identity, friendship, and why rugby can change your life. Rugby 100 Club — where the stories behind the game matter.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode of Rugby 100 Club, host Matt Courtright sits down with Robbie Abel to discuss one of the most unique journeys in Major League Rugby. From his playing career to coaching in MLR, Robbie opens up about leadership, family, adapting through change, coaching at the professional level, and why investing in youth rugby is essential for the future of the game. This conversation is filled with honest stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and lessons that extend far beyond rugby. 🏉 Listen now and join the Rugby 100 Club community. 💬 If this episode inspired you, share it with a teammate, coach, or rugby fan. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Rugby 100 Club for more conversations with the players, coaches, and leaders growing rugby across North America.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode of Rugby 100 Club, host Matt Courtright sits down with Liki Chantung of the Seattle Seawolves and Coachable Collective to explore his incredible journey from the Pacific Islands to professional rugby in Major League Rugby. Liki shares his story of growing up across Samoa, Fiji, Australia, and Hawaii, navigating the rugby pathway, overcoming setbacks, and learning the importance of identity, discipline, and life beyond sport. This episode is about more than rugby—it’s about culture, resilience, and building a future through the game. 🏉 Listen now and join the Rugby 100 Club community. 💬 If this story resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Summer International Round 3 delivered another exciting weekend of world rugby. Hosts Matt Courtright and Jamie McFarland recap the biggest international matches, discuss the USA Eagles' strong Nations Cup campaign, review the Junior World Championship, analyze the latest standings, and preview the upcoming New Zealand vs. South Africa "Greatest Rugby Rivalry" tour. Whether you're following the USA Eagles, the world's top-ranked teams, or discovering international rugby for the first time, this episode covers the stories, results, and conversations shaping the global game. Keep your heads high and your tackles low.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What if the greatest rugby stories aren't played under stadium lights? In this episode of Rugby 100 Club, host Matt Courtright sits down with former USA Eagle and San Diego Legion player Dylan Audsley, the creator of Culture RFC, to explore why he walked away from professional rugby to tell the stories that keep the sport alive. Dylan shares his incredible journey—from representing the United States and earning All-American honors to overcoming career-ending injuries, traveling across North and South America, and launching a project dedicated to celebrating rugby's people and culture. In this conversation: 🏉 Dylan's journey from London to representing the USA 🌎 Traveling across North America to uncover rugby's hidden stories 💙 Why rugby's greatest strength is its community 💥 The highs and heartbreaks of a professional playing career 📸 The inspiration behind Culture RFC 🤝 Why volunteers, clubs, and local communities are the future of rugby Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or someone discovering rugby for the first time, this conversation is a reminder that the game is built by the people who show up every day—not just those on television. 💬 What's the best rugby club or community you've ever been part of? Tell us in the comments! 👍 Subscribe for more conversations with the people growing rugby around the world. Keep your heads high and your tackles low. #Rugby #CultureRFC #Rugby100Club #MattCourtright #USAEagles #MajorLeagueRugby #GrowTheGame #RugbyCommunity #MLRSTATS

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this Rugby 100 Club International Update, host Jamie McFarland breaks down all the major storylines from around the world, including the Rugby Nations Championship, Rugby Nations Cup, USA Eagles, USA Women's tour, and the World Rugby U20 Championship. This week's episode includes: 🏉 Can Ireland finally end New Zealand's incredible Eden Park streak? 🇺🇸 USA Eagles continue their strong Rugby Nations Cup campaign 🏆 France vs. South Africa in the World Rugby U20 Championship Final 🌎 Updated Rugby Nations Championship standings 🔥 Predictions for every major international match this weekend 📺 Where to watch every game Whether you follow the Eagles, the Six Nations, Rugby Championship teams, or you're just getting into international rugby, this weekly roundup keeps you up to speed with the biggest results, standings, and matches to watch. 💬 Which match are you most excited for this weekend? Can Ireland upset the All Blacks, or will New Zealand defend Eden Park again? Subscribe to Rugby 100 Club for Major League Rugby coverage, international rugby analysis, exclusive interviews, and stories that help grow the game. #Rugby #InternationalRugby #USAEagles #AllBlacks #IrelandRugby #Rugby100Club #JamieMcFarland #RugbyUnion #SummerInternationals

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! International rugby is back, and there's never been a better time to follow the global game. In this special Rugby 100 Club International Update, Jamie McFarland breaks down everything you need to know from an action-packed opening weekend of international rugby. This episode covers: 🏉 USA Eagles' thrilling one-point victory over Portugal 🌍 The new Rugby Nations Championship and Rugby Nations Cup 🇳🇿 New Zealand vs. France thriller 🇿🇦 South Africa's dominant performance 🇺🇸 USA Women's tour of South Africa 🔥 The biggest matches coming up this weekend 📺 Where to watch every international match Whether you're new to international rugby or a lifelong supporter, Jamie gives you the scores, storylines, and match previews that matter most—all in one place. 💬 Which international match are you most excited to watch this weekend? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe to Rugby 100 Club for interviews, Major League Rugby coverage, international rugby updates, and stories from across the rugby world. #Rugby #InternationalRugby #USAEagles #RugbyPassTV #Rugby100Club #JamieMcFarland #SummerTests #RugbyUnion

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What started as a podcast became something much bigger. In this special Rugby 100 Club tribute, friends, players, coaches, broadcasters, supporters, and family come together to share heartfelt messages for host Matt Courtright and celebrate the passion, friendships, and community that rugby creates. Featuring messages from: 🏉 Tim Metcher 🏉 Conner Mooneyham 🏉 Rob Hammerschmidt 🏉 Stacy Paetz 🏉 Matt McCarthy 🏉 Kirsten & Jordan Gackowski 🏉 Marcus Holt 🏉 Sam Windsor 🏉 Seth Smith 🏉 Adrian Balfour 🏉 Devin Short 🏉 Matthew Trouville 🏉 Will Hooley 🏉 Kevin Flynn 🏉 Levon Dunn 🏉 Sam Matenga 🏉 Nic Greer 🏉 Jennifer Courtright This video isn't just about one person—it's about what makes rugby different. It's about the relationships, respect, and lifelong friendships that grow from a shared love of the game. To everyone who has appeared on Rugby 100 Club, listened to an episode, shared a story, or supported the mission of growing rugby, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. 💙 If rugby has impacted your life, tell us your story in the comments. We'd love to hear it. 👍 Like, subscribe, and join Rugby 100 Club as we continue sharing the stories that grow the game. Keep your heads high and your tackles low. #Rugby100Club #MattCourtright #Rugby #MajorLeagueRugby #MLR #GrowTheGame #RugbyCommunity #ThankYouRugby

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! How do you build a winning rugby culture in America? On this episode of Rugby 100 Club, host Matt Courtright sits down with coach, leader, and Major League Rugby pioneer Sam Harris for an honest conversation about growing the game, building teams from the ground up, and why rugby's best days in America are still ahead. From launching teams in Austin and Chicago to helping guide a championship-caliber squad in Los Angeles, Sam shares the lessons he's learned from years on the front lines of professional rugby in the United States. In this episode: 🏉 Why rugby's greatest currency is exposure 🏆 Building winning cultures in Major League Rugby 🌎 Growing the game in America 🎙️ Behind-the-scenes stories from Austin, Chicago, and Los Angeles 🤝 The importance of community, fan engagement, and rugby values 🔥 Sam's thoughts on the MLR Championship and the future of the league Whether you're a lifelong rugby supporter or new to the sport, this conversation offers a rare look at the people helping shape rugby's future in North America. Subscribe for more exclusive interviews, player stories, and behind-the-scenes access from Rugby 100 Club. #Rugby #MLR #MajorLeagueRugby #SamHarris #RugbyPodcast #Rugby100Club #MattCourtright

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What does it take to referee at the highest level of professional rugby? In this episode of Rugby 100 Club, host Matt Courtright sits down with Wilko, Major League Rugby's Director of Match Officials, to discuss his incredible journey from Northern Ireland to the United States and the innovations shaping the future of the sport. Wilko shares: How an unexpected injury led him into refereeingHis path from the Irish Rugby Football Union to Major League RugbyWhy he chose Utah over Dallas when moving to the U.S.The mental and physical demands of professional officiatingHow referees prepare for matches behind the scenesThe development of MLR's groundbreaking Referee Review System (RRS)Why transparency and fan engagement are essential to growing rugby in North AmericaWhether you're a player, coach, referee, or passionate fan, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the people making the game possible. Subscribe to Rugby 100 Club for exclusive interviews, rugby stories, and insider access to Major League Rugby. #MajorLeagueRugby #MLR #Rugby #Rugby100Club #Referee #RugbyPodcast #RugbyUnion #SportsPodcast #ChicagoHounds #CaliforniaLegion

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What does it take to build a professional rugby team in America? This week on Rugby 100 Club, host Matt Courtright sits down with Brian Jones, former CEO of the Seattle Seawolves, to discuss the business, leadership, and vision behind one of Major League Rugby's most successful clubs. Brian shares his incredible journey through professional sports—from the NBA and NHL to the NFL, MLS, and ultimately Major League Rugby. Along the way, he reveals what fans rarely see behind the scenes. In this episode: 🏉 How the Seattle Seawolves were built from the ground up 🏟 The business challenges of growing Major League Rugby 💼 Lessons learned from the NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLS 📈 Building partnerships, creating fan experiences, and growing a sports brand 🎙 The pressure and excitement of leading a professional sports organization 🤝 Why community is the foundation of rugby culture Whether you're a rugby fan, sports business professional, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers an inside look at what it takes to grow a new sport in America. 👇 What does rugby need most to succeed in the United States? #Rugby #MLR #MajorLeagueRugby #SeattleSeawolves #SportsBusiness #BrianJones #RugbyPodcast #MattCourtright #Rugby100Club

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What is life really like as a professional rugby player? This week on Rugby 100 Club, host Matt Courtright sits down with Seattle Seawolves players Callum Botchar and Dewald Kotze for an honest conversation about rugby, travel, friendships, and life inside Major League Rugby. In this episode: 🏉 Preparing for the MLR playoffs 🌎 Rugby journeys through Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand ✈️ International rugby experiences and travel stories 🎙️ Life inside the Seattle Seawolves locker room 🤝 Team culture, leadership, and camaraderie 🎮 What players do away from rugby 🔥 Why rugby creates friendships unlike any other sport From Tokyo karaoke bars to Seattle coffee shops, this conversation gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities, experiences, and relationships that make rugby special. 👇 What's your favorite part of rugby culture? #SeattleSeawolves #MLR #MajorLeagueRugby #Rugby #RugbyPodcast #CallumBotchar #DewaldKotze #MattCourtright #Rugby100Club

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! "Rugby doesn't have a competition problem—it has a growth problem." Brandon Sparks joins Rugby 100 Club to discuss MLR, growing the game in America, rugby culture, innovation, and why the future of rugby might be brighter than ever. Full episode available now. 🏉🎙️ #MLR #Rugby #MajorLeagueRugby #RugbyPodcast #SportsBusiness #Rugby100Club #MattCourtright