Mike Poppmeier: Germany's New Head Coach on Rebuilding, Funding & Rugby Europe | Rugby TTL Podcast

German rugby is rebuilding — and new head coach Mike Poppmeier is the man tasked with leading it back.

In this episode, Carl sits down with Mike Poppmeier, the new head coach of Germany and a former Germany international, for an open conversation about Rugby Europe, the national team's future, and the funding gap holding it all back. Mike talks through his South African upbringing, his German/Austrian family roots and 11 years living in Germany, before laying out the real picture: how the lack of a professional environment and funding limits preparation, player retention, staffing and international fixtures.

He explains the value of cross-border competition like the new Ascent Rugby league (featuring Adler XV and Frankfurt), his role with dominant Bundesliga champions Frankfurt, and why Germany sits in the Trophy division while rebuilding its culture, behaviours and pathway by blooding young France-based prospects. Plus his coaching ethos — fitness, tempo and smart rugby — and the practical needs, from video analysis to aligned governance, that could unlock sponsorship and long-term growth.

Real stories from the leagues the mainstream skips.

⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Welcome & guest intro 00:45 Mike's Germany journey 02:19 Why Germany slipped 04:50 Super Cup & pro pathways 07:16 Ascent Rugby explained 08:00 Bundesliga & Frankfurt dominance 10:43 Adler XV selection plans 13:26 Friendlies & travel budgets 16:07 Rebuild in the Trophy division 19:48 The funding mystery & next steps 22:03 Squad identity plan 22:45 Player release commitments 24:58 Coaching ethos & style 27:40 Prep time & logistics 28:46 Video analysis & tools 30:27 Head coach workload 33:40 Five-year vision 35:37 Funding & alignment 38:59 Curtis Brayford addition 40:25 Final message & legacy

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