EPISODE · Jul 10, 2026 · 50 MIN
USA Rugby Future: Bella Vogel’s Rise & The National Maul Breakdown
from US Rugby Happy Hour · host American Rugby Rising
Join us on U.S. Rugby Happy Hour LIVE as we dive into the latest developments in the American game. We open the show with Martin Pengelly of The National Maul, who breaks down the cultural identity of the USA Eagles under Scott Lawrence, shares his thoughts on the new Rugby Nations Championship, and explores the viral moments that define the sport. We also feature our signature, slightly chaotic, jingle-filled introduction that has become a staple of the show. In the second half, we are thrilled to be joined by rising USA Women’s Eagle and Life University standout, Bella Vogel. Bella gives us an exclusive look at what it’s like to step into the number ten jersey for the senior national team at just 19 years old, her experiences transitioning from the collegiate pitch to the international stage, and her long-term dreams of competing on the world’s biggest rugby stages. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the game, this episode is your front-row seat to the future of American rugby. Chapters: 00:00 Intro & The July 4th Break 02:45 The National Maul: Martin Pengelly 06:20 Scott Lawrence, American Identity & Rugby Culture 14:28 Eagles Women vs. South Africa Recaps 16:20 Bella Vogel: Life University & USA Debut 28:20 The First International Cap: Emotions & Pressure 31:45 Collegiate vs. International Rugby 33:55 Life University Success & The 2033 World Cup 41:15 Future Goals: PWR & NRLW Dreams Hashtags: #USARugby #WomensRugby #TheNationalMaul #BellaVogel #EaglesOverseas #RugbyPodcast #LifeUniversity #mlrp —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: * Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ * Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising * BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkYbnIvt-gI&t=2s Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. http://www.americanrugbyrising.com [email protected] John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. [email protected] http://www.rugbymorning.com Martin Pengelly is a Washington-based reporter and editor. His “The National Maul” Substack about rugby in the US. His first book, Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went To War, is published by Godine. https://thenationalmaul.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
Join us on U.S. Rugby Happy Hour LIVE as we dive into the latest developments in the American game. We open the show with Martin Pengelly of The National Maul, who breaks down the cultural identity of the USA Eagles under Scott Lawrence, shares his thoughts on the new Rugby Nations Championship, and explores the viral moments that define the sport. We also feature our signature, slightly chaotic, jingle-filled introduction that has become a staple of the show. In the second half, we are thrilled to be joined by rising USA Women’s Eagle and Life University standout, Bella Vogel. Bella gives us an exclusive look at what it’s like to step into the number ten jersey for the senior national team at just 19 years old, her experiences transitioning from the collegiate pitch to the international stage, and her long-term dreams of competing on the world’s biggest rugby stages. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the game, this episode is your front-row seat to the future of American rugby. Chapters: 00:00 Intro & The July 4th Break 02:45 The National Maul: Martin Pengelly 06:20 Scott Lawrence, American Identity & Rugby Culture 14:28 Eagles Women vs. South Africa Recaps 16:20 Bella Vogel: Life University & USA Debut 28:20 The First International Cap: Emotions & Pressure 31:45 Collegiate vs. International Rugby 33:55 Life University Success & The 2033 World Cup 41:15 Future Goals: PWR & NRLW Dreams Hashtags: #USARugby #WomensRugby #TheNationalMaul #BellaVogel #EaglesOverseas #RugbyPodcast #LifeUniversity #mlrp —————————————— Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour: * Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/ * Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising * BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkYbnIvt-gI&t=2s Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. http://www.americanrugbyrising.com [email protected] John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. [email protected] http://www.rugbymorning.com Martin Pengelly is a Washington-based reporter and editor. His “The National Maul” Substack about rugby in the US. His first book, Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went To War, is published by Godine. https://thenationalmaul.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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USA Rugby Future: Bella Vogel’s Rise & The National Maul Breakdown
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