DC writer & editor, Zeteo, Guardian and more. Politics, books, rugby. Substack: The National Maul. Book – Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went To War.
Washington, DC
Joined March 2026
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This is my new account, @MartinPengelly having been hacked. Please unfollow that one.
Martin Pengelly retweeted
When I began researching REDEMPTION I didn't oppose the death penalty, but in telling the stories of the 7 women on Texas death row I was shaken by the absence of justice in so many cases. No state can claim the moral authority to take a life. cnn.com/2026/10/27/subscript…
I am aware it is now Saturday. Nonetheless, this is the appropriate use of social media. Straight at ‘em, Mr Wolf.
Master and Commander at 20: a miraculous masterpiece of action cinema theguardian.com/film/2023/no…
Martin Pengelly retweeted
The Guardian has this wonderful offering on pub day for REDEMPTION. theguardian.com/books/2026/o…
The National Maul: writing & reporting on US rugby, in your inbox every Friday & sometimes more often, free unless you'd like to support…
This week: ‘Why isn’t she nominated for World Player of the Year?’ Freda Tafuna and the Eagles’ England test
thenationalmaul.substack.com…
.@USARugby v @EnglandRugby x2:
‘It’s just USA, blah, blah, blah’: Rising star Bella Vogel out to catch wounded England napping: theguardian.com/sport/2026/o…
‘Why isn’t she nominated for World Player of the Year?’ Freda Tafuna and the Eagles’ England test thenationalmaul.substack.com…
.@USARugby v @EnglandRugby x2:
‘It’s just USA, blah, blah, blah’: Rising star Bella Vogel out to catch wounded England napping: theguardian.com/sport/2026/o…
‘Why isn’t she nominated for World Player of the Year?’ Freda Tafuna and the Eagles’ England test thenationalmaul.substack.com…
Martin Pengelly retweeted
I really think everyone needs to pay attention to this cordinated campaign to delegimatize Muslim Americans - not just as citizens but as humans.
These increasingly hysterical attacks are a prelude to Republicans bringing us to a very, very dark place after the election.
Martin Pengelly retweeted
Totally spot on. spectator.com/article/in-pra…
In which Christopher Hitchens, writing about Michael Frayn in 2005, predicts every single newsroom under the shadow of AI.
theguardian.com/books/2005/d…
I wrote about my love for the film Master and Commander, in honour of Trafalgar Day this week spectator.com/article/in-pra…
Martin Pengelly retweeted
I wrote about my love for the film Master and Commander, in honour of Trafalgar Day this week spectator.com/article/in-pra…
Martin Pengelly retweeted
Simon Heffer’s final pars in his review of Liz Truss’ new book.
Of all the best examples of the Westminster unreality machine, where parts of the illiberal metropolitan elite and press build someone up clearly beyond their abilities, she was by far the worst. Zero accountability, of course.
Martin Pengelly retweeted
You do not need to love the British journalist to appreciate why they are so precious and essential for our freedoms, just look at way Simon Heffer tears apart Liz Truss’ book in @Telegraph - now: Show me a single US journalist who has done this to Trump, instead of enabling him, hiding behind the buttoned-down comfortable elitism taught at the Columbia School of Journalism.
Martin Pengelly retweeted
Trump: I ‘Don’t Give a Damn’ About Gas Prices – But Obama Knows Voters Do
A week from election day, the president fed Dems all the attack ads they could want and may somehow not use. In Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pulled off a comeback and won reelection.
Martin Pengelly retweeted
Today's 'First Draft' from @MPengellyDC:
zeteo.com/p/trump-i-dont-giv…
Martin Pengelly retweeted
Bella Vogel becomes the first ever USA player to be nominated for a Women's 15 Breakthrough Player of the Year! 👏 👏
Martin Pengelly retweeted
I wrote about my love for the film Master and Commander, in honour of Trafalgar Day this week spectator.com/article/in-pra…
This but I watch it every year before England v France in the Six Nations.
In praise of Master and Commander
✍️ Madeline Grant
spectator.com/article/in-pra…
Martin Pengelly retweeted
In praise of Master and Commander
✍️ Madeline Grant
spectator.com/article/in-pra…
The National Maul: writing and reporting on rugby in the US, in your inbox every Friday and sometimes more often, free unless you'd like to support.
thenationalmaul.substack.com…
New on The National Maul, ahead of @USARugby v Italy & Australia XV, on the women's Eagles' blend of extreme experience and extreme youth…
@Dallen_Stanford @lizardrugby @Matt_McCarthy00 @RugbyWrapUp @AmerRugbyRising @RugbyMorning @RugbyRantPod
thenationalmaul.substack.com…
