Rugby Deutschland, the German Rugby Federation, was founded on 4 November 1900 in Kassel, making it the oldest national rugby union in continental Europe. From that starting whistle, German rugby built a culture of craft, respect and persistence that still shapes the game today. 

One of the most remarkable early chapters came in 1900 in Paris, where a team from SC 1880 Frankfurt represented Germany and earned an Olympic silver medal. A small tournament, a huge statement, and proof that rugby had already taken root in Germany’s sporting soil. 

Domestic rugby has its own proud spine in the Rugby, Bundesliga, established in 1971. The league has grown, contracted and evolved as the sport matured, with Heidelberger RK the most decorated side and SC 1880 Frankfurt the reigning champions in 2023, 24. Week in, week out, the Bundesliga remains the proving ground for players and coaches across the country. 

On the test scene, Germany’s men climbed to the top tier of Europe’s second band in 2008, then, after a strong push through 2012, 14, reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup repechage, facing Canada, Kenya and Hong Kong. The dream of first World Cup qualification remains very much alive. 

Sevens has been a major flagbearer, with the men’s Wolfpack winning the Rugby Europe Grand Prix, European title, in 2019 and regularly mixing it with the continent’s elite. Hamburg has become a signature summer stop on the Rugby Europe 7s Championship Series, drawing big crowds and giving German players a stage at home. 

Where German rugby is going next

Rugby Deutschland has laid out a multi year Strukturplan 2024, 2028, a framework that underpins high performance, participation and governance. Alongside that, hosting regular international sevens in Hamburg keeps the spotlight on speed, skill and pathway players, while the Rugby, Bundesliga continues to anchor the fifteen a side game. The target is simple, stronger pathways, stronger national teams, and more people playing the sport in schools and clubs. Women’s rugby has its own deep roots, including a Women’s Rugby Bundesliga dating back to 1988. The national programme has pivoted between fifteens and sevens over the years, but the direction of travel is clear, more opportunity, better structures, and consistent competition for women and girls. 

The Rugby Culture x Rugby Deutschland polo, pride you can wear

To celebrate this heritage and the journey ahead, Rugby Culture has partnered with Rugby Deutschland to create a limited edition German rugby polo. Built with our usual attention to fabric, fit and finish, it nods to national colours and federation history, and is ready for the clubhouse, the terrace and the city.

How to order

In Germany
Order through the German Rugby Union website, your purchase supports rugby locally and ensures correct fulfilment for Germany based fans.

Outside Germany
Order through rugbyculture.store, international shipping and support are handled by our team.

Order window and delivery
This is a limited edition release, once the purchase window closes, production begins, please allow up to 2 months for the polos to be finished.

Need help
Email info@rugbyculture.store we are happy to assist with sizing, payment and shipping.

Interested in a collab

If your union, region or club wants to co create a custom polo or capsule with Rugby Culture, we would love to hear from you.
📧 info@rugbyculture.store
📱 @RUGBYCULTURE

Visit Rugby Deutschland

🌐 Website: www.rugbydeutschland.org
✉️ Email: office@rugbydeutschland.org
📍 Seat and office: registered in Hannover, federation office in Heidelberg.