What’s All The Ruckus?

In this episode, we speak to Henry Blunck, one of the founders of Ascent Rugby, about an ambitious new competition aiming to change the landscape of the game in Central Europe.

With the inaugural festival taking place in Frankfurt tomorrow, Blunck explains why Ascent Rugby was created, the challenges facing the sport in Germany and the wider region, and how a unique festival format could give developing clubs more opportunities to test themselves against stronger opposition.

We also discuss the growing interest in rugby across Germany, why that has not yet translated into improved performances on the pitch, and the long-term vision for a competition that has already attracted interest from clubs across Europe and beyond.

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Episode two with Tier 2 rugby journeyman and podcast legend Karl Savimaki is here.

Karl takes us through the next chapter of his remarkable coaching career, including his hugely successful spell with Sweden and the many stops along the way that have made him one of the most well-travelled coaches in Tier 2 rugby.

He has already joined us to discuss the earlier stages of his career, and if you haven't heard that episode yet, it is well worth a listen. This time, we pick up where we left off and dive into some of the stories, challenges and experiences from his journey since then.

Note: Karl has since left the Australian job he was in when this episode was recorded. He left the role between recording and publication.

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Episode one with Karl:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Tul9QK9iTVnToPbFCCYq4?si=dN_BSsiITWqsTpl9SzIoMg

In this episode, we sit down with UAE international Jack Stapley for an honest look at his rugby journey so far. He reflects on his club career in England, discusses an exciting upcoming move, and opens up about representing the UAE during an incredibly challenging period, with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East creating uncertainty around the national team's future and preparations.

Please note: This podcast was recorded around a month ago, so some of the topics discussed may have developed since filming.

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This week, we’re joined by Sam Thompson, a rugby player representing the British Virgin Islands. Sam shares his unique journey to the islands, how he came to wear the BVI jersey, and what it’s like playing rugby in a place many people have never even heard of, let alone realised has a rugby team.

From island life to the growth of the game in an unexpected corner of the world, this is a fascinating insight into rugby beyond the traditional powerhouse nations.

Apologies for the delay since the last episode, work and life has been busy recently so it the podcast has had to take a back seat. We will be back with consistent uploads from now.

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This week, we're joined by Andrew Brace, one of rugby's leading referees and a man whose journey through the game is anything but conventional.

Born in Cardiff, raised between Wales and Ireland, and a former international player for Belgium, Andrew takes us through a remarkable rugby story that spans playing, coaching, community development and officiating at the very highest level of the game.

We dive into his playing days with Belgium, including a brilliant and heartfelt story about his connection to the country and what representing the Black Devils meant to him. From there, we explore the wider world of Tier 2 rugby, discussing the challenges, opportunities and growth of the game beyond the traditional powerhouses.

Andrew also reflects on his transition from player to referee, the path that took him from grassroots rugby to Six Nations matches, Rugby Championship fixtures and the Rugby World Cup. Along the way, he offers fascinating insights into modern officiating, game management and life in the middle.

We also tackle the unfortunate reality of abuse directed at match officials, discussing why it remains an issue across all levels of the sport and what can be done to create a healthier environment for referees.

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Scotsman Johnny Harris has spent more than a decade building a life, and now a rugby movement, in Vietnam.

As founder of Dai Viet Rugby, Harris is laying the foundations for what he hopes will one day become a fully established rugby ecosystem in Vietnam.

In the absence of an official national federation, Dai Viet has stepped into the gap by organising competitions, grassroots programmes and flagship events designed to grow participation and create sustainable structures for the future.

In this episode, Harris reflects on his journey from Motherwell to Hanoi, the challenges of building rugby in a niche sporting market, and why he believes the values of rugby resonate strongly across Asia.

He also discusses the success of the Hanoi 10’s, the social impact work behind Dai Viet’s Gieo Mầm programme, and the ambition to take Vietnam onto the regional rugby stage in the years ahead.

At the heart of the conversation is one simple goal: putting Vietnam on the rugby map.

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Germany head coach Michael Poppmeier joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation about stepping into the top job during a pivotal moment for German rugby.

Fresh from his appointment following Mark Kuhlmann’s departure, Poppmeier discusses rebuilding a team that has just been relegated in the Rugby Europe structure, the lessons from his playing days with South Africa U21, and his coaching journey across Germany, Israel and beyond.

He also explores his vision for culture, player pathways, and how Germany can reconnect with talent across Europe while modernising its identity on and off the field.

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Singapore has long been a key stop on the global Sevens circuit, but can it become a genuine rugby powerhouse in its own right?

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Tietjens, Head of Sevens in Singapore, to explore how the nation is building its rugby identity through the fast-paced format of the game.

We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rugby in South East Asia, why Sevens can be the engine for long-term growth in fifteens, and how Singapore compares with regional rival Hong Kong in infrastructure, culture, and ambition.

Rugby pedigree runs deep in the Tietjens family. Paul is the son of legendary coach Sir Gordon Tietjens, widely regarded as one of the greatest Sevens coaches of all time after transforming the All Blacks sevens team into a global force over more than two decades.

We also talk about the influence of growing up around elite rugby environments, and what lessons from New Zealand and Samoa can be applied to emerging rugby nations today.

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In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Wallis Downham to explore one of the most unique stories in international rugby. Born and raised in Andorra, something incredibly rare given the nation’s tiny population, Wallis Downham shares what it was like growing up in a country few associate with rugby, and how that journey shaped both his career and identity.

We dive into the rise of the Andorran national team, discussing how they’ve consistently punched above their weight against far larger rugby nations, the challenges of developing the sport in a small country, and the pride that comes with representing Andorra on the international stage.

Wallis Downham also reflects on his own playing career, key moments along the way, and the ambitions he and the team still have for the future. A fascinating conversation about passion, perseverance, and a rugby nation that deserves far more attention.

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In this episode, we sit down with Peter Kavcic, former Slovenia international rugby player and now head coach, to dive into the realities of leading a developing rugby nation.

Peter opens up about the key challenges facing the Slovenian team, from player depth to resources, and shares how they’re building solutions from the ground up. We also explore the team’s mindset shift, their long-term vision, and the culture they’re creating to stay competitive.

Plus, we discuss Slovenia’s unique place in rugby history, including the remarkable world record they hold, and how that achievement continues to inspire the squad today.

Currently competing in the Rugby Europe Conference, Slovenia isn’t just participating, they have serious ambitions to climb the ranks.

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