What’s All The Ruckus?

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

Rugby in the Pyrenees | Andorra's Daniel Wallis Downham

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. x:@AllTheRuckusPod

The recent growth of Slovenian rugby | Peter Kavčič

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. X: @AllTheRuckusPod

DEBATE: The pros and cons of Moana Pasifika's Super Rugby exit

This week, Charlie and Josh dive into one of the biggest talking points in rugby right now, the news that Moana Pasifika look set to exit Super Rugby at the end of the season. It is a move that has sparked strong reactions across the rugby world, and unsurprisingly we do not exactly see eye to eye on it. Is this a necessary step for the competition’s future, or a huge loss for representation and growth in the game? We break down the pros, the cons, and everything in between as we go head to head in a proper debate, challenging each other’s views and trying to reach some kind of middle ground. As always, we want to hear from you. Do you think this is the right decision, or a major mistake? Let us know where you stand and join the conversation.