A New Era for American Rugby: Inside the Historic MLR CBA with Chris Mattina

In this landmark episode of the US Rugby Happy Hour, hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick sit down with Chris Mattina, Executive Director of the US Rugby Players Association, to break down the first-ever collective bargaining agreement in American professional rugby history. Before diving into the heavy lifting of labor negotiations, the show kicks off with a custom, high-octane heavy metal jingle that Mattina joked he needs as his personal entrance music for every room he walks into. Discover what this means for the players on the ground—from newly codified health and safety protections and "just cause" discipline rules to the economic wins that support domestic talent. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious observer of the American sports landscape, this "tease" into the future of the sport covers everything from personal branding and NIL rights to the strategic "runway" leading up to the 2031 World Cup. Don't miss this inside look at the handshake that changed the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices