What’s All The Ruckus?

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

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

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.comX: @AllTheRuckusPod

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

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.orgX:@AllTheRuckusPod

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

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

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

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 the path that led him to wearing the Jordanian jersey on the international stage. Ali also opens up about the realities of playing and developing rugby in Jordan and across Asia, sharing insights into the challenges, growth, and untapped potential of the game in the region.X:@AllTheRuckusPodAli's podcast: Taha Talks

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 ultimately pulled on the Elephants jersey, along with honest insights into the realities of international rugby outside the traditional powerhouses. We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of growing the game in Ivory Coast, the evolution of rugby in America, and what rugby needs globally to continue expanding in new markets.X: @AllTheRuckusPod

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 playing on improvised pitches to building a national federation, this conversation is as much about people and persistence as it is about rugby.We explore what rugby culture looks like in Albania today, how the sport is steadily growing, and why its values of community, respect, and resilience resonate so deeply with players and supporters alike. Along the way, Orion shares personal reflections on leadership, friendship, and what it means to build something meaningful from the ground up.X: @AllTheRuckusPod

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 hear yet another unique perspective on their remarkable qualification journey.We dive into what rugby life in Hong Kong is really like, the team’s growth, and how they’re preparing for the world’s biggest stage.X: @AllTheRuckusPod

This week, we sit down with Stuart Porro, a proud Gibraltarian and key figure in Gibraltar Rugby, ahead of Rugby Europe’s pivotal vote on December 6th.With both Gibraltar and Greece awaiting decisions that could reshape their rugby futures, Porro opens up about the emotion, history and decades of dedication behind Gibraltar’s bid for membership.From the Rock’s deep-rooted rugby culture and the unique Europa Point Stadium to the sacrifices made by volunteers and players alike, Stuart shares why this moment “would mean everything” to a community determined to take its place within the wider European rugby family.RUCK article on the upcoming vote: https://www.ruck.co.uk/rugby-europe-prepares-to-vote-on-two-emerging-forces/X:@AllTheRuckusPod

In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Davies, the newly appointed Head of 7s in Poland—a role that sees him overseeing both the Men’s and Women’s national sevens programmes. Although only a couple of months into leading the full programme, Chris is no stranger to Polish 7s, having previously served as the head coach of the men’s side.Chris brings a wealth of international experience to the conversation. Before moving to Poland, he worked as Skills Coach with the legendary Fiji 7s, and was part of Fiji’s XVs setup for their memorable victory over the Barbarians at Twickenham—their first ever win against the BaaBaas. From world-class high-performance environments to the realities of developing nations, Chris has seen every side of the sport.We dive into his coaching journey, his transition to leading both Polish national teams, and his insider’s view on the state of sevens rugby today—a sport battling funding challenges from the elite level right down to the grassroots. Chris brings plenty of stories, insight, and honesty about what it takes to grow the game in tough circumstances.A huge thank you to Alex Laybourne for connecting us with Chris.If you know someone who you think would make a great guest, we’d love to hear from you!X: @AllTheRuckusPodCheck out Ruck.co.uk

In this episode, we’re joined by Frank Sackey — Ghana international, rugby all-rounder, and all-round great guy. Frank plays both 7s and 15s, and although he’s based in the UK, his heart has always been closely tied to Ghana. He talks openly about what it feels like to pull on the Ghana jersey, not just as an athlete, but as someone honouring his family, his roots, and the place that shaped him.Frank also gives us a warm, honest look at rugby culture in Ghana — the energy, the community, the challenges, and the huge pride that exists around the sport in West Africa. It’s a side of rugby many people rarely get to hear about.Beyond the pitch, we dive into the story behind the Black Rugby Community, the charity Frank helped create to support Black people in rugby who often face barriers that go unseen. He shares why he felt compelled to help build a space where people can feel understood, represented, and backed.Check out Blackrugby.co.uk to find out more about the Black Rugby Community.X:@AllTheRuckusPod

In this episode, we’re joined by Ale Loman, the Swedish prop making history as the first Swedish male player to feature in the Premiership, following his debut for Leicester Tigers against Northampton Saints. Ale takes us through his remarkable journey — from growing up in Lund, discovering rugby as a teenager, to studying in the UK and earning his spot at Nottingham before his loan move to the Tigers.We talk about what drives him, his passion for representing Sweden, and what his story means for players from Tier 2 and 3 nations dreaming of making it to the top. Inspiring, grounded, and trailblazing — Ale’s journey is one you won’t want to miss.x:@AllTheRuckusPod

This week, we dive into the inspiring story of Tony Gillings, the man credited with founding rugby in Belize. After first visiting the country in the 1980s with the UK military, Tony couldn’t shake his connection to the place. Decades later, he made a life-changing decision — quitting his job, packing up everything, and moving to Belize to introduce the sport he loved to a whole new community.Join us as we explore Tony’s journey, the challenges of building a sport from the ground up, and how one man’s passion helped kickstart a movement that continues to grow today.X: @AllTheRuckusPodInstagram: @charlieelliottjournoCheck out Ruck.co.ukTony’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-gillings-07430420?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

In today’s episode, we’re heading to the Middle East to chat with Bahrain’s Adam Wallace — a man who’s worn just about every hat possible within Bahrain Rugby Club and the national setup. From Director of Rugby to head coach and captain, Adam has been at the heart of the club’s growth and the country’s emerging rugby scene.While Bahrain Rugby Club has long been a cornerstone of Gulf rugby, 2025 marked a historic milestone with the Bahrain national team’s first-ever international fixture, a dominant win over Jordan — a game in which Adam proudly pulled on the national jersey.We dive into the incredible story behind that debut, the challenges of developing rugby in a non-traditional market, and what the future looks like for Bahrain on both the domestic and international stage. Adam also reflects on the unique culture of rugby in the region, the community around the club, and his hopes for the next generation of players coming through.Check out ⁠www.Ruck.co.uk for everything rugby related.X: ⁠@AllTheRuckusPod⁠