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Rugby
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We're back with another excellent episode of U.S. Rugby Happy Hour! In this episode, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick kick things off with a little sports banter before diving into the booming youth and high school rugby landscape on the West Coast. We are joined by Rugby NorCal CEO and Fresno-based coach Nate Dalena, who breaks down what makes Northern California the largest and most vibrant state youth rugby organization in the country.
Nate shares his expert insights on establishing structured league operations, bridging the gap between rugby and football through social media education, and the critical importance of introducing non-contact T1 rugby to younger age groups. We also explore the structural evolution of high school club and single-school divisions, the challenges of getting rugby on public school campuses, and why the future of American rugby is brighter than ever. Tune in for an inspiring, masterclass discussion on grassroots growth!
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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
eaglesoverseas@comcast.net
John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world.
johndaniel.fitzpatrick@gmail.com
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"Building America's Rugby Powerhouse: Inside Rugby NorCal with CEO Nate Dalena" is an episode of US Rugby Happy Hour. Runtime 38 min. Published November 5, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.