Germany may have a rich rugby history dating back to the 1890s, but the sport has never gained widespread popularity in the country. Despite having the oldest national rugby union in continental Europe, rugby remains a niche interest in Germany, with the men's national team ranked 35th in the world.
According to experts, the country's rugby federation was established as early as 1900, but the sport was never fully integrated into Germany's school or community systems. This, combined with the rise of football and handball as popular sports, made it difficult for rugby to gain nationwide momentum.
Germany's rugby culture is also marked by regional pockets of support, particularly in regions where the British occupied after the second world war. However, the sport has never achieved the same level of popularity as it has in countries such as France, Wales, and England.
While Germany has potential as a rugby nation, experts say that participation would need to grow through schools and clubs for the country to become a significant force in European rugby.