What’s All The Ruckus?

Charlie Elliott and Josh Saunders

A podcast showcasing international rugby stories from outside the top nations (Also known as Tier 2/3) in depth that you won’t hear anywhere else 🌍 Episodes out weekly with guests ⭐️

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20 episodes
Updated July 24

Episodes20

Newest first

July 24 · 33 min
How rugby in the UAE continues to grow despite challenges | Jack Stapley
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. X:@AllTheRuckusPod
July 2 · 24 min
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
June 4 · 43 min
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
May 28 · 44 min
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
May 22 · 33 min
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
May 15 · 39 min
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
May 7 · 27 min
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
April 23 · 30 min
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
April 14 · 35 min
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.
April 9 · 31 min
From Canada to Top 14 Glory | Jamie Cudmore
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 clubs like Clermont, where he helped secure a historic Top 14 title. Known for his uncompromising physicality on the field, Jamie opens up about the mindset that made him one of the game’s toughest enforcers—and the personal challenges that shaped him along the way. We also dive into the turning points in his life: how rugby helped him redirect a troubled youth, the lessons learned from decades in professional sport, and the realities of life after retirement. Jamie speaks candidly about controversy, accountability, and what it means to grow beyond the game. X:@AllTheRuckusPod
April 2 · 40 min
Why Fabian Holland chose the All Blacks instead of The Netherlands
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 that shaped his path. From emailing a school halfway across the world to switching positions and fast-tracking through elite rugby ranks, his story is one of ambition, adaptability, and belief. Holland also opens up about turning his back on his country of birth, the support he’s received from home, and how his success is inspiring a new generation of Dutch players to dream bigger. x:@AllTheRuckusPod
March 25 · 35 min
The world's youngest international head coach | Hungary's Finlay Harrison
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 Ultimate Rugby Sevens before taking on one of the sport’s most demanding jobs. Thrust into a senior international environment with players older and more experienced than himself, he’s had to win trust quickly and build a culture from the ground up. We dive into his bold vision for Hungarian rugby, from chasing a historic Rugby Europe Sevens Trophy medal in 2026 to laying the foundations for long-term success, and even dreaming of Olympic qualification. Harrison also reflects on the challenges of balancing sevens and fifteens, embracing mistakes at a young age, and why his mindset is simple: why not us? x:@AllTheRuckusPod
March 18 · 37 min
The adventurer changing rugby in Oman | Nabs Al Busaidi
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 more about purpose. Nabs opens up about what drives him, how those extreme experiences shaped his mindset, and why he has now turned his energy toward building rugby in Oman. Instead of following the traditional pathway, Oman has leaned into Touch Rugby as a way to make the sport more accessible, inclusive, and fun. We explore why Touch has become central to their strategy, how it is bringing new people into the game, and what other unions might learn from their approach. X: @AllTheRuckusPod
March 10 · 40 min
From Super Rugby Champion to Namibia Coach | Jaco Engels
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 shares stories from his time with the Eastern Province Kings and the Southern Kings during the 2013 Super Rugby season, as well as the journey that led to his international debut for Namibia at the age of 32 — culminating in a Rugby World Cup appearance in 2015 against the All Blacks. Now coaching, Jaco also opens up about his unique experience working in Russia during the pandemic and the early stages of the war in Ukraine, and what he is doing now in his return to Namibia. X: @AllTheRuckusPod
March 4 · 34 min
The head coach of THREE national teams at once | Stephen Lewis
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 landscapes. We dive into his remarkable coaching journey, the challenges and opportunities facing emerging rugby nations, and a candid discussion on World Rugby’s governance of the sevens game. Lewis also shares insight into his work with Elevate Rugby, an innovative platform providing resources, mentorship, and strategic support for coaches at every level of the game. A fascinating conversation with a coach who continues to shape the global rugby conversation. www.elevate-rugby.com X: @AllTheRuckusPod
February 18 · 35 min
From Scotland to Bermuda | Bermuda Rugby's Jason Hendrie
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 career transition, and how his Scottish rugby roots are shaping his vision for the sport locally. Jason also discusses the current state of rugby in Bermuda, development pathways, and the opportunities and challenges facing the island game. Plus, we reflect on the lasting impact of rugby sevens legend Waisale Serevi and what his influence has meant for players and the rugby culture in Bermuda. X:@AllTheRuckusPod
February 11 · 35 min
Gabon Rugby, Community Impact & Change | Head Coach Jeff Arribard de Gael
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, inclusion, and community development. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, impact, and the wider role of sport in society. www.sportcitizen.org X:@AllTheRuckusPod
February 3 · 22 min
Switzerland's aims at the upcoming Rugby Europe Championship | Player Ahmed Kane
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, it’s a brutal test as Switzerland fight to stay up and avoid relegation back to the Trophy. A fascinating insight into a player — and a nation — on the rise. X:@AllTheRuckusPod
January 28 · 29 min
Will Georgia ever play in the Six Nations? | Lelos star Davit Niniashvili
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 were all very much appreciated. X: @AllTheRuckusPod
January 20 · 31 min
Paraguay’s World Cup fallout and the future of South American rugby | Captain Mariano Garcete
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 through South American rugby. Mariano speaks openly about the emotional toll the ruling took on the squad, the country, and himself as captain, and doesn’t hold back in a scathing critique of World Rugby and what he sees as damaging recent changes in the global game. The conversation also turns to his decision to step away from Yacaré XV and Super Rugby Americas, reflecting on his personal journey, the pressures of professional rugby in the region, and why the competition remains vital to the growth and credibility of South American rugby. X: @AllTheRuckusPod

What’s All The Ruckus?

How rugby in the UAE continues to grow despite challenges | Jack Stapley

The British Virgin Islands Play Rugby? | Sam Thompson

The former Belgium player turned international rugby ref | Andrew Brace

Building rugby in Vietnam from the ground up | Johnny Harris

New Germany head coach speaks after appointment | Mike Poppmeier

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

Rugby in the Pyrenees | Andorra's Daniel Wallis Downham

The recent growth of Slovenian rugby | Peter Kavčič

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

From Canada to Top 14 Glory | Jamie Cudmore

Why Fabian Holland chose the All Blacks instead of The Netherlands

The world's youngest international head coach | Hungary's Finlay Harrison

The adventurer changing rugby in Oman | Nabs Al Busaidi

From Super Rugby Champion to Namibia Coach | Jaco Engels

The head coach of THREE national teams at once | Stephen Lewis

From Scotland to Bermuda | Bermuda Rugby's Jason Hendrie

Gabon Rugby, Community Impact & Change | Head Coach Jeff Arribard de Gael

Switzerland's aims at the upcoming Rugby Europe Championship | Player Ahmed Kane

Will Georgia ever play in the Six Nations? | Lelos star Davit Niniashvili

Paraguay’s World Cup fallout and the future of South American rugby | Captain Mariano Garcete