The British Virgin Islands Play Rugby? | Sam Thompson

The British Virgin Islands Play Rugby? | Sam Thompson

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. X:@AllTheRuckusPod

The former Belgium player turned international rugby ref | Andrew Brace

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. x:@AllTheRuckusPod

Building rugby in Vietnam from the ground up | Johnny Harris

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. x: @AllTheRuckusPod

New Germany head coach speaks after appointment | Mike Poppmeier

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. x: @AllTheRuckusPod

Can Singapore become Asia’s rugby hub? | Paul Tietjens

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. x:@AllTheRuckusPod