In this episode of the A&D Podcast, hosts Austin and Dietrich are joined by special guest Jacob for an in-depth and wide-ranging conversation on the state of rugby both globally and here in the United States. The trio delves into how rugby is evolving globally, the trends shaping the modern game, and how recent and upcoming Rugby World Cups may impact the sport’s future.

Austin and Dietrich also focus on rugby in the USA, discussing the challenges, opportunities, and pathways for growth as the sport continues to search for broader relevance and stronger infrastructure. From player development to fan engagement, they explore what needs to change—and what’s already moving in the right direction.

The conversation then turns to Jacob’s business and platform, Rugby Expo, as he breaks down how it began, its mission, and how it creates a space for connecting players, fans, brands, and organizations within the rugby community. Jacob shares his vision for Rugby Expo and how platforms like his can play a role in growing the game at every level.

Be sure to listen to this episode and stay locked in for future conversations. Follow the A&D Podcast on TikTok and Instagram, and follow Jacob and Rugby Expo on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more rugby content and updates.

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The A&D Podcast goes full Rugby March Madness as Austin and Dietrich dive head-first into the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and this time, they’re not just previewing the tournament… they’re building fantasy brackets like two fans filling out NCAA sheets with way too much confidence and zero hesitation.

The hosts break down pools, hypothetical matchups, upsets waiting to happen, giant-killings, and dream finals. Each fills out their own bracket live, defending wildcard semifinalists, debating dark horses, and arguing which powerhouse nations might crumble under pressure. Expect disagreements, hot takes, and at least one bracket decision they’ll regret, but refuse to walk back.

After crowning their fantasy world champions, the episode zooms out and looks forward. Austin and Dietrich discuss how the results of 2027 could reshape rugby’s next decade, including the expansion of Tier 2 nations, scheduling changes, increased global integration, the rise or fall of traditional powerhouses, and whether the World Cup format itself should evolve.

It’s loud, it’s speculative, it’s passionate, and it’s the kind of chaos every rugby fan dreams about.

Tune in, pick a bracket, scream at your speakers, and let the madness begin. 🏉🔥

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich dive headfirst into the wild landscape of the 2025 NFL season as the league barrels toward the playoffs. With more questions than answers and storylines popping off every week, the guys break down the chaos from top to bottom.

They start with the AFC, where powerhouse expectations haven’t matched reality. Are the Chiefs still the team to beat, or has inconsistency finally caught up with them? Can the Bengals overcome their mid-season injuries? And what exactly are the Texans cooking down in Houston as they continue to surprise the entire league?

Then it's over to the NFC, where the 49ers look like juggernauts—but can they stay healthy enough to finish the job? The Cowboys are… well, the Cowboys, and that comes with all the drama you’d expect. Meanwhile, the Lions continue to fight to prove last year was no fluke, and the Eagles are trying to piece things back together in time for a real postseason run.

Austin zeroes in on the biggest X-factors that could swing the playoff picture. At the same time, Dietrich brings the heat with some bold predictions and pointed questions about coaching decisions, quarterback performances, and which teams are secretly pretenders.

They wrap up by looking ahead to the matchups that will define the final stretch and the teams they believe could shock everyone come January.

Tune in, subscribe, and stay locked in for more A&D Podcast breakdowns as the NFL season hits its most exciting chapter.

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich dive into the current state of world rugby—starting with the wild finish to the final Rugby World Cup qualifying match between Samoa and Belgium. The hosts unpack the shock of a match ending in a draw during a scenario where most fans expected a clear result, and they share their thoughts on how World Rugby could prevent similar situations going forward. Should there be extra time? Automatic tiebreak mechanisms? The debate gets heated.

From there, the hosts zoom out to discuss the global landscape. Austin argues that the gap between top-tier nations and everyone else is shrinking, leading to tighter matches and rising unpredictability—a trend he sees as both exciting and uniquely challenging for the sport. Dietrich agrees, but adds one very firm caveat: South Africa is still miles ahead of the rest of the world, and he’s not shy about saying why.

The conversation then shifts to the future of the international calendar, with a breakdown of the upcoming Nations Championship and the World Rugby Nations Cup, both set to debut in 2026. Austin and Dietrich outline the structure, the potential benefits, and the looming concerns—especially around player welfare, travel demands, and competitive balance.

They wrap up by pitching their own ideas on how to improve rugby across all levels—from emerging nations to established powerhouses. Better pathways, more meaningful fixtures, smarter scheduling…the hosts let loose with solutions they believe could push the sport forward.

Tune in and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes as the A&D Podcast continues to tackle the biggest conversations in rugby.

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In this week’s episode, Austin and Dietrich dive into a big weekend of action for the USA Eagles, starting with a full recap of the recent clash between the USA and Romania. The hosts break down the standout performances, the tactical shifts that actually worked, and the frustrating moments that kept the Eagles from putting together a complete 80-minute performance. From attacking structure to defensive lapses to individual bright spots, they cover it all with their usual mix of insight and energy.

From there, they turn their attention to the final Rugby World Cup Qualifier tournament—a pressure-packed series with massive implications for several nations. Austin and Dietrich discuss the teams fighting for that last coveted spot, who’s rising at the right time, and what the outcomes could mean for the global rugby landscape heading toward 2027.

But the episode doesn’t slow down there. The hosts also unpack the bizarre and dramatic trend of red cards popping up in international fixtures over the past few weeks. They talk about which cards were deserved, which ones were questionable, and what this string of incidents says about officiating, player discipline, and the evolving safety standards in the modern game.

If you’re passionate about rugby analysis, international storylines, and the highs and lows of the USA Eagles, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in now—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich sit down to recap the international rugby showdown between the USA Eagles and Georgia that took place on November 8th, 2025. Coming off a tough loss the week prior, the hosts find plenty of positives to take away from this match — a performance that, while not perfect, showed a clear step forward for the Eagles.

Austin and Dietrich dive into the details, highlighting individual performances that stood out on the day — including Toby Fricker, whose energy, work rate, and decision-making at the fullback position gave fans a glimpse of what this USA backline could become. They also spotlight improvements in the set piece and defensive organization, areas that had been weak points in previous outings. The hosts discuss how the team seemed more connected, more structured, and more confident in their play, showing flashes of what could develop into a more competitive squad on the international stage.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The guys unpack some of the decisions that left them scratching their heads — particularly Scott Lawrence’s controversial 7-1 bench split. They explore how that gamble might have limited the Eagles’ backline options late in the match and whether the risk outweighed the potential reward. Was it a bold strategic move or just overthinking? Austin and Dietrich debate it all.

Looking ahead, the hosts shift focus to the upcoming clash against Romania — a crucial test that could define how the Eagles close out their autumn tour. They discuss what fans can expect, potential lineup adjustments on the horizon, and what the team needs to carry forward to continue building momentum.

To wrap things up, Austin and Dietrich take a step back to talk about the bigger picture — what this match means for the future of rugby in the United States. From player development and coaching direction to the pathway toward Rugby World Cup 2027, they explore how performances like this one can serve as building blocks for something greater.

It’s a deep dive into progress, perspective, and the ongoing journey of American rugby. Tune in for sharp analysis, honest conversation, and a shared passion for growing the game. Don’t forget to subscribe and join the A&D Podcast community so you never miss a breakdown, debate, or insight from the world of rugby!

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Austin and Dietrich return to the mic after a huge weekend of international rugby, and the conversation gets heated fast. The USA Eagles faced off against Scotland in the opening weekend of the Quilter Nations Series, and while most fans expected a loss, no one expected it to look this bad. The hosts dive deep into what went wrong — from questionable coaching decisions and confusing tactics to a team that appeared to have no sense of direction from the opening whistle.

Austin takes a tactical angle, analyzing where the USA’s structure completely fell apart — from poor line speed on defense to lack of creativity in attack and breakdown inefficiency that handed Scotland control of the game. Dietrich, on the other hand, comes in fiery, calling out the leadership at USA Rugby for what he sees as years of mismanagement and a lack of accountability. Together, they paint a picture of a program that feels adrift, struggling to build a competitive identity even as other Tier 2 nations continue to rise.

The episode doesn’t stop at frustration, though. The hosts shift gears to look ahead at the rest of the Quilter Nations Series, previewing the Eagles’ upcoming matchups, the key adjustments they must make to regain respect, and what fans should realistically expect from this squad moving forward. They also touch on other weekend results from across the rugby world, offering quick thoughts on standout performances and storylines that could shape the international calendar leading into 2026.

Whether you’re a die-hard Eagles supporter or just a rugby fan who wants to see the U.S. finally get it together, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for raw emotion, honest analysis, and plenty of passion as Austin and Dietrich continue to break down the biggest stories in world rugby.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow A&D Podcast for more breakdowns, bold opinions, and in-depth rugby discussions every week.

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The NFL season has officially hit its halfway mark, and Austin and Dietrich are here to break down all the madness that’s unfolded so far. In this A&D Podcast episode, the hosts go team by team through the league, covering every major storyline, rising star, and midseason meltdown that’s defined the year to this point.

They kick things off by talking about the powerhouse squads — the Kansas City Chiefs continuing their dominance behind Patrick Mahomes, the Baltimore Ravens looking like one of the most complete teams in football, and the San Francisco 49ers, who seem unstoppable when healthy but have shown signs of vulnerability in recent weeks. From there, they turn their attention to the chaos of the NFC East, where the Eagles and Cowboys are battling for control, and to surprise contenders like the Detroit Lions, who are proving last season’s success was no fluke.

Of course, not everyone’s riding high. The guys discuss the New York Jets' struggles to find an offensive rhythm, the Patriots' facing what might be their toughest rebuild era yet, and the Chicago Bears' search for consistency and direction. They also examine emerging storylines — the Houston Texans and their young quarterback breathing new life into the franchise, the Miami Dolphins electrifying fans with their explosive offense, and the Cleveland Browns trying to balance an elite defense with quarterback uncertainty.

Austin and Dietrich don’t just stick to on-field talk either — they dive into the people behind the organizations, from front office moves to coaching philosophies that are shaping the league’s future. Expect spirited debates, bold midseason awards, and predictions for who’s poised to surge and who’s about to crumble down the stretch.

Whether you’re a diehard fan or just here for the drama, this episode captures the pulse of the NFL at midseason. Tune in, subscribe, and keep up with the A&D Podcast for more in-depth breakdowns, hot takes, and passionate football talk every week as the playoff picture starts to take shape!

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