In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich dive deep into one of the most unforgettable weekends in Major League Rugby history—the 2025 Conference Finals. First, the guys break down the Western Conference clash where the Houston SaberCats dismantled the Utah Warriors with a dominant defensive performance and ruthless finishing. From Drake Davis' bone-crushing hits to Houston's complete second-half takeover, we unpack how the SaberCats earned their shot at the Shield.

Then, we shift to the Eastern Conference Final, a match that will be remembered for both its incredible drama and its shocking broadcast failure. The New England Free Jacks staged a stunning late comeback to edge out the Chicago Hounds, but just as the game reached its climax, everything went black. We talk about the brilliance of Paul Balekana, the heartbreak of Luke Hilsenbeck’s final kick, and the massive disappointment for fans who were cut off from seeing it all unfold live.

Beyond the games, we zoom out to look at the bigger picture: how the 2025 season elevated the league, grew the sport across the U.S., and showed just how far rugby has come—and how far it still has to go. From improved parity and rising stars to the growing pains of a league still finding its footing, this episode is a full-spectrum reflection on the state of rugby in America.

If you love rugby, passionate storytelling, and real talk about the game’s growth in the U.S., hit that follow button and leave us a review! And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episode video drops and behind-the-scenes content.

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich break down all the action from the 2025 Major League Rugby playoffs, diving deep into each thrilling matchup.

The duo starts with Chicago vs Old Glory DC, where DC stormed out of the gates, but Chicago’s grit and second-half defense proved too much as they clutched a hard-fought win.

Next, they head to Utah vs Seattle, where Utah’s early dominance nearly crumbled under a furious Seattle comeback. The Seawolves showed heart, but costly set-piece errors and late-game turnovers left them just short in a 2-point thriller.

In New England vs Miami, the Free Jacks wasted no time making a statement, scoring within 30 seconds and controlling the pace throughout. Despite Miami’s determined effort and control of territory, New England’s poise and discipline carried them through

.

Finally, the hosts discuss Houston vs RFCLA, where weather and field conditions worked against LA’s fast-paced style. Houston stayed composed, utilizing its suffocating defense and tactical control to secure a statement win.

From comebacks to defensive clinics, Austin and Dietrich share their takes on the defining moments, tactical shifts, and what these results mean as they head into the next round.

Don’t miss this jam-packed playoff breakdown! Like, subscribe, and follow the A&D Podcast on YouTube and your favorite streaming platforms to stay locked in as we head toward the MLR Championship.

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich dive into a whirlwind of international rugby news, starting with the bombshell announcement that Red Bull has acquired the Newcastle Falcons. The hosts break down what this corporate investment could mean for the future of the Gallagher Premiership, including potential branding shifts, financial stability, and how this move might impact English club rugby as a whole.

Next, the attention shifts to Owen Farrell, who has officially terminated his contract with Racing 92 to return to Saracens. With his surprise call-up to the British & Irish Lions and his return home, the hosts speculate on Farrell's long-term intentions—Is this a step toward retirement, a leadership move, or a renewed bid to play a pivotal role with England?

Staying in the northern hemisphere, Austin and Dietrich tackle the ongoing fly-half conundrum in Ireland. With Jack Crowley proving himself and young Sam Prendergast emerging fast, the duo debate whether Ireland will lean on experience or embrace the next generation ahead of 2027.

To close the episode, the hosts bring it back to home soil, previewing the USA Eagles' summer test schedule. They discuss the importance of these matches for qualification and squad development, as the U.S. continues its push toward reestablishing itself on the world stage in time for 2027.

Don’t miss this in-depth analysis of some of the biggest storylines shaping the future of rugby. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and tune in to future episodes as we continue to track the global game week by week.

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich take a reflective look at the 2025 Major League Rugby season — a campaign filled with thrilling upsets, breakout stars, and a league that continues to evolve and engage its passionate fanbase. From off-field developments to shocking mid-season trades and franchise-defining performances, the hosts unpack the major storylines that shaped the regular season.

They dive deep into how league parity has elevated the level of competition, making every week unpredictable and every win hard-earned. With multiple teams still in playoff contention up until the final round, the regular season kept fans on edge — and the hosts break down just how that competitiveness is raising the standard of American rugby.

Then, the conversation shifts to playoff mode. Austin and Dietrich preview the matchups, debate which clubs have the best chance of lifting the Shield, and highlight the Key Factors, injuries, and momentum swings that could determine who finishes the season on top.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to MLR, this episode sets the stage for an electric postseason.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the A&D Podcast! Follow us on social media for real-time playoff reactions and updates — and let us know who you think is taking home the Shield in 2025.

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Join Austin and Dietrich on the latest A&D Podcast as they take the pulse of the 2025 Major League Rugby season—breaking down who’s surging, who’s slipping, and which squads look primed for playoff glory.

They kick off with the Eastern Conference, spotlighting the New England Free Jacks’ relentless title defense and the Miami Sharks’ impressive improvements despite narrow losses. What adjustments have kept Boston lethal, and can Miami’s youthful roster break through in 2025?

Shifting West, the Houston SaberCats’ backs‑first offense is lighting up scoreboards, while the San Diego Legion search for consistency after costly handling errors. Is Houston’s bold game plan sustainable, and can San Diego rectify their early‑season stumbles in time to threaten for home‑field advantage?

Plus, a deep dive on the Utah Warriors’ scrum supremacy and the Seattle Seawolves’ resilience in weather‑wreaked contests—two teams battling for the final playoff berths and poised to upset the bracket.

Finally, Austin and Dietrich map out potential playoff matchups: which quarterfinals promise high‑octane clashes, who has the momentum to push all the way to Championship Weekend, and dark‑horse teams you need on your radar.

Whether you bleed club colors or just love the sport’s nonstop action, this episode delivers expert analysis, bold predictions, and insider anecdotes from inside the league.

Tune in and get ahead of the playoff pack!

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich break down all the major moments from the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro. They dive into the Men’s Open Division, dissecting the intense competition, key storylines, and the controversy that had everyone in the bodybuilding world talking.

Next, they shift gears to the Classic Physique finals, highlighting the aesthetic contrast between divisions and how this year's results drew the line between mass and symmetry. The hosts explore how the Classic division continues evolving and making its mark.

The episode wraps with a deep dive into the star-studded guest posing lineup, which was dominated by Classic Physique elites like Mike Sommerfeld, Ramon Dino, Terrence Ruffin, and Wesley Vissers—and a fascinating moment where Keone Pearson (212) and Samson Dauda (Open) shared the stage for an eye-opening comparison across divisions.

Whether you're a fan of freaky mass, golden-era aesthetics, or just love the behind-the-scenes drama of bodybuilding, this one’s for you.

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In this week’s episode of the A&D Podcast, we break down a wild weekend of Major League Rugby action full of momentum swings, dramatic comebacks, and discipline woes.

We kick things off with a thrilling RFC LA vs San Diego Legion clash, where LA’s high-speed offense kept them in it to the final whistle, but their porous defense and lack of a kicking game left them just short. Then, we head to Texas where the Houston SaberCats looked unstoppable against Old Glory DC—though questions remain: is it Houston’s rising form or DC’s inconsistency?

Next up, we unpack the chaos in Utah as the Warriors and Chicago Hounds traded halves of dominance in one of the wildest turnarounds of the season. And finally, we close with the NOLA Gold vs Seattle Seawolves matchup, where early yellow cards and penalties cost Seattle dearly, despite a strong second-half surge.

There are plenty of storylines, momentum swings, and playoff implications to dive into—don’t miss it.

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In this episode of the A&D Podcast, Austin and Dietrich break down all the wild moments from the 2025 NFL Draft. They dive into the buzz around Shedeur Sanders, the New York Giants making what Austin calls a "panic move" to save jobs and a fiery rant about the Jacksonville Jaguars' questionable draft strategy — especially the massive Travis Hunter trade. The hosts also react to how their favorite teams drafted, with Dietrich feeling underwhelmed while Austin celebrates Detroit stacking the trenches. They wrap up with their overall thoughts on this year’s boom-or-bust draft class and what it means for the future of the league.

Don't miss it — and be sure to subscribe for more reactions, deep dives, and offseason chaos all summer long!

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