What’s All The Ruckus?

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...

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...

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 flags...

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 journe...

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...

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 nat...

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 visio...

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 g...

In this episode, we sit down with one of rugby’s most formidable figures, Jamie Cudmore. From a turbulent upbringing in Winnipeg to becoming a four-time Rugby World Cup veteran for Canada, Jamie’s story is anything but ordinary. He takes us through his journey from local club rugby in British Columbia to the elite stages of Europe, sharing what it was like to compete in Wales and France with top c...

From a small Dutch village to the biggest stage in world rugby, this episode dives into the remarkable rise of Fabian Holland. At just 23, he’s already made his mark with the All Blacks—but his journey is anything but conventional. We unpack the defining moments behind Holland’s bold decision to leave the Netherlands and fully commit to New Zealand, exploring the sacrifices, risks, and mindset tha...

At just 21, Finlay Harrison is already rewriting the coaching playbook. In this episode, we sit down with the youngest international head coach in world rugby, now leading Hungary’s sevens programme and shaping the future of their XVs setup. After a promising playing career with Gloucester was cut short by injury, Harrison pivoted into coaching, rising rapidly through roles at Henley Rugby and Ult...

In this episode, we sit down with Nabs Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Oman Rugby Committee, for a conversation that moves from the edge of the world to the heart of a growing rugby community. Nabs made history as the first Arab to walk to the Magnetic North Pole and to row across the Atlantic Ocean, testing himself in some of the toughest conditions on earth. But this chat is less about records and m...

In this episode, we sit down with Jaco Engels — former Namibia international prop, Super Rugby winner, and current coach within the Namibian national setup. Jaco reflects on a rugged playing career that took him through South Africa’s Currie Cup with the Leopards, Boland Cavaliers and Blue Bulls, before becoming part of both Currie Cup and Super Rugby–winning squads with the Bulls in Pretoria. He...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Lewis — the only coach to have led three nationa at once (Guyana, Costa Rica, and Nigeria) on the international stage, and a two-time USA Rugby Coach of the Year. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Tier 2 rugby, Lewis brings a global perspective shaped by building programs from the ground up and competing across diverse rugby landsca...

In this episode, we sit down with Bermuda Rugby’s new Operations Director, Jason Hendrie, who made the bold move from his native Scotland to the island just a few months ago. Jason shares his unique journey from working as a painter and decorator to stepping onto the sidelines as a rugby coach, and now into rugby administration in Bermuda. We dive into his passion for the game, what inspired his c...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Arribard de Gael, Head Coach of Gabon Rugby and founder of the charity Sport Citizen. Jeff takes us inside his role within the Gabon setup, the realities and challenges facing Gabonese rugby, and the progress being made on and off the field. We also explore the inspiring work of Sport Citizen and discuss why rugby can be such a powerful tool for education, inc...

We’re joined by Ahmed Kane, Switzerland’s dynamic second row and one of the brightest talents in the country at just 24. Currently plying his trade with Chambéry in France’s third division, Kane talks about his rapid rise, life in the French system, and the challenge ahead for Switzerland in year two of the Rugby Europe Championship cycle. With clashes against the likes of Georgia on the horizon,...

In this episode, we sit down with Georgia star Davit Niniashvili to tackle some of the biggest and most contentious topics in Georgian rugby. From the ongoing debate around Georgia’s inclusion in the Six Nations, to the appointment of new head coach Pierre-Henry Broncan , and plenty more besides. A huge thank you to everyone who sent in questions — if yours wasn’t answered, my apologies, but they...

In this episode, we sit down with Mariano Garcete, captain of the Paraguay national team, for a candid and hard-hitting conversation following one of the most turbulent moments in Paraguayan rugby history. After Paraguay’s historic two-legged victory over Brazil in World Cup qualifying, the team was disqualified from the Repechage for fielding an ineligible player, a decision that sent shockwaves...

We’re joined by Saudi Arabia international Jimmy Wheeler for a deep dive into what rugby really looks like on the ground in the Kingdom, the ambitions driving the game forward, and the wider Middle East scene. Jimmy also chats about R360, his recent run at the Dubai 7s alongside some household names, and his unique journey from the Bath Academy to building a life in Saudi. X: @AllTheRuckusPod

Bonus Episode: We’re joined by Sebastian Taylor of Costa Rica Rugby to discuss the programmes currently being rolled out across the country and the overall state of the game. With a packed schedule of recorded episodes, we thought we’d bring you this extra conversation—while our regular episode still drops on Tuesday as usual. X:@AllTheRuckusPod

In this episode, we sit down with Ali Taha Brown — a Jordan international whose journey in sport is as unique as it is inspiring. Beyond representing Jordan on the rugby field, Ali also serves as a board advisor at English football club Southend United, giving him a rare perspective on the game both on and off the pitch. We talk about his lifelong love of sport, how he first discovered rugby, and...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Brou — former Ivory Coast prop with one of the most unique journeys in rugby. Born and raised in the United States, Kevin carved out a professional career that took him from the MLR to France, before an unexpected and remarkable path led him to represent Ivory Coast on the international stage. Kevin shares the incredible story of how he became eligible and ul...

In this episode, we sit down with Orion Jucja, co-founder of the Albania Rugby Federation and the Tirana Lions Rugby Club, alongside his close collaborator Arnaldo Telo, to hear the remarkable story of how rugby found a home in Albania. Orion takes us back to the early days — the curiosity, the obstacles, and the moments of belief it took to introduce a largely unknown sport to a new country. From...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Altier, Hong Kong China international and future 2027 Rugby World Cup representative. Recorded before the tournament draw, we now know Hong Kong China will be facing New Zealand, hosts Australia, and Chile—a monumental stage for Paul and his teammates. Paul becomes our third guest from Hong Kong, joining Alex Post and Matt Worley, and it was fascinating to he...