Signings continue to roll in, the Eagles picked up a needed win, and World Rugby is shaking up the international calendar. But the league still exists and John is feeling weirdly optimistic.

John Fitzpatrick

• Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter
• Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up)
• Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces
• Twitter: @rugbymorning

Alistair Kirsch-Poole

• Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby
• Runs Tackle the Numbers
• Twitter: @AlistairKP

Old Glory DC continues sign quality young Americans and also finally confirmed their home stadium for 2026. However the news from around the league is darker.

John Fitzpatrick

• Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter
• Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up)
• Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces
• Twitter: @rugbymorning

Alistair Kirsch-Poole

• Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby
• Runs Tackle the Numbers
• Twitter: @AlistairKP

Another MLR team has pulled out of the league, leaving just 6 teams. We discuss that, before getting into Old Glory signings, Scotland blowing out the Eagles, and beer running out in Chicago. Also, AKP nails another signing.

John Fitzpatrick

• Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter
• Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up)
• Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces
• Twitter: @rugbymorning

Alistair Kirsch-Poole

• Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby
• Runs Tackle the Numbers
• Twitter: @AlistairKP

We talk about the good news and the bad news, a promising young player joining and a keystone player leaving.

John Fitzpatrick

• Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter
• Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up)
• Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces
• Twitter: @rugbymorning

Alistair Kirsch-Poole

• Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby
• Runs Tackle the Numbers
• Twitter: @AlistairKP

Teams have finally started announcing player signings, Old Glory included, and Jack Iscaro got his first start in the Top 14.

John Fitzpatrick

• Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter
• Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up)
• Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces
• Twitter: @rugbymorning

Alistair Kirsch-Poole

• Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby
• Runs Tackle the Numbers
• Twitter: @AlistairKP

Old Glory teased but didn't pull through on their venue change, MLR released a statement announcing that the 2026 season is happening, and also announced dramatic changes for domestic players.

John Fitzpatrick

• Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter
• Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up)
• Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces
• Twitter: @rugbymorning

Alistair Kirsch-Poole

• Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby
• Runs Tackle the Numbers
• Twitter: @AlistairKP

There's a lot to discuss this week with a potential change of venue for OGDC, Jack Iscaro heading to France, R360, Barbies, and more.

John Fitzpatrick

• Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter
• Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up)
• Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces
• Twitter: @rugbymorning

Alistair Kirsch-Poole

• Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby
• Runs Tackle the Numbers
• Twitter: @AlistairKP

A thankfully light news week gives us time to talk about the Women's RWC final, TRN+ shutting down, AJ MacGinty's future, and the continued expansion of Super Rugby Americas.

John Fitzpatrick

• Runs the Rugby Morning newsletter
• Hosts MLR Coffee Break on MLR Weekly (Rugby Wrap Up)
• Hosts USA Rugby Happy Hour on Twitter Spaces
• Twitter: @rugbymorning

Alistair Kirsch-Poole

• Writer/editor for Glorious Rugby
• Runs Tackle the Numbers
• Twitter: @AlistairKP