The Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 is just a weeks shy from starting, and to get us in the mood we invited a few players from each of the eight contestants to share their views, opinions and emotions about their team and country.
Today, from Germany we have the tackle meisters Justin Renc and Shawn Ingle, to explain their love and passion for Germany.
Shawn and Justin, welcome and thank you for joining us. To start things off… what does it mean to play for the Schwarze Adler? Is it that crucial in your life to be part of the team’s legacy?
Shawn Ingle. “It is a very important part of me. It is an absolute honour and a privilege to play international rugby as a member of the Schwarze Adler. Germany is such an important part of my legacy and family history, and to get to represent it at that level is special to me.”
Justin Renc. “It means to perform at my best in the sport I love for my country. I’m lucky to represent a passionate community, which, even though it isn’t that big, loves rugby with all its heart. Rugby is about the people who love it, and that’s what it means to play for the Schwarze Adler.”
So, when did that love for the German rugby national team start? Do any of you remember when you first watched a Schwarze Adler senior team play?
SI. “Actually, I do! It wasn’t the 15s but the 7s outfit. It was some years ago before I was selected to play for Germany, and I was living in Australia. I remember the 7s team playing brilliantly, and it inspired me to push towards the goal of becoming a German international myself.”
JR. “Yes, I also have a clear idea of my first live game. I was playing for the U16S, and after the game we went to watch Germany vs Portugal at Rudolf-Kalweit-Stadion in Hannover. It was 2016, and it was a great experience: we got to play on the same pitch and, after their game, we were invited to meet and greet them. I was lucky enough to meet my favourite German player, Jaco Otto, who would end up becoming my coach.”
And after watching, you went on to become international senior players. When did you make your debut?
JR. “2019, Łódź against Poland. I was yellow-carded, which isn’t ideal, but I made a try-saving tackle. So, give and take. It was a great day as my father went there to watch me play.”
SI. “My debut was against Hong Kong in 2023. We went over there to play two Test Matches. I remember getting the call and feeling tremendously happy for the chance. I was selected to start with the 7 jersey, which was for me a massive honour and one of the main highlights of my life so far.”
Were you nervous or anxious when you had to go there and start to bag tackles and more tackles?
SI. “I wasn’t that nervous, as I had experienced some extreme pressure games in the past that prepared me well for that moment. I was extremely eager and happy to jump in and give my all. I just wanted to make a big impact for my team and country.”
JR. “I was relaxed before the kick off, but as soon as we went for it, I started to get hyped and a bit nervous.”
Now, let’s talk about fans and packed stadiums, as Germany has had a few over the last five years. What was for your favourite home game?
JR. “Two years ago, we faced Georgia in Dessau-Roßlau at the Paul Greifzu Stadium, which was heavily packed. The union sold out all tickets, and the support was just massive for us. It was our big home in a proper stadium, and we pushed Georgia against the corner. Pretty special day, I would say.”
SI. “For me it happened last year when we got to play in Kassel’s Auestadion. The environment was amazing. Seeing busloads of German fans arrive for the game was emotional and special. We felt we were representing something much bigger than ourselves. They cheered us throughout the game, and the communion with them after the game made everything even more special."
So, between Kassel, Dessau- Roßlau and Heidelberg which is your favourite ground?
SI. “Heidelberg and Kassel are for sure great venues to host our homes. The first is the centre of German rugby, packed with history and heritage; however, the second offers a unique environment, allowing even more fans into the stands. Love both, and I hope we get to play there again.”
JR. “I’m going to say that Kassel was great as well, but I would like to point out two other venues: the Rudolf-Kalweit-Stadion and Dessau-Roßlau. But Kassel was the most special all things considered.”
And what about the national team camp… who’s your best mate at the moment?
JR. “Cosmo Zymvragos is someone I spend a lot of time with outside of rugby, as we are both from Hannover. I also have to consider Leo Wolf, who’s someone I talk a lot when we are in camp.”
SI. “Leo Wolf for me. He is an extremely strong player and leader, and a very nice guy outside of it as well.”
Let’s talk for a minute about rivalries. Who’s Germany’s main nemesis?
SI. “I would say that the Netherlands is our biggest and main rival. It is a team that every time we play them, we are quite evenly matched, but we still haven’t been able to get the better of them. The rivalry goes quite a long way, and you get a sense of how special it is for the community.”
JR. “For me, it has to be Belgium. We are quite on the same level, even if in 2025, we didn’t do so well. But the year before, we won in Belgium! It can get a little bit heated as well… in a positive way, of course.”
And the game that you both enjoyed the most?
JR. “Two years ago in Belgium, I got player of the match in what was a fun and enticing game. I really enjoyed it as a team; we played really well together, and we won in the end. While I didn’t felt it was that good of a performance, the staff said I did really well and that I seemed crazy in there.”
SI. “Our visit to Romania last year was for me the game that I enjoyed the most. The fans there are so passionate, always supporting their side. While we didn’t end up winning the game, it was a great performance from us, as we got to show some of our best features.”
Germany has been enjoying these games and rivalries under the Rugby Europe tent. What’s your opinion about the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship?
JR. “From a player's perspective, it is a great tournament and a spectacular challenge. However, from a spectator view, I think we can still do more to attract international fans, be it through social media and TV promotion. I just want people to enjoy what we experience as players every single year.”
SI. “It is the highest level of rugby that I’ve played, and it has so many teams that have been on the World Cup. From professional players in top leagues to teams with great resources, it is an excellent competition, 100%. It gives an amazing experience to players like me.”
Now, unto the foodie part of the interview. Shawn, can you share your favourite main traditional German dish with us? And Justin, a dessert?
SI. “It may not be as popular as some of the most well-known ones, but you have to try spaetzle. It is one of the nicest dishes you can get, as it has potato, flour, eggs, etc and you can top it with beef.”
JR. “I am not a dessert guy, albeit there’s one that I really enjoy: Apfelstrudel. It has a thin dough with apple, and it goes to the oven, and you then eat it with vanilla ice cream. Probably my favourite.”
And about team traditions that the fans can learn a bit about, does your team have any? Or any games you play while in camp?
JR. “We have a song that we sing in games that we win. It doesn’t matter if it is on the bus, in the locker room or in the hotel, we have to sing it. It is short, but it has rhythm. It doesn’t have a real name, but it would go something like ‘De Schwarze Adler fliegen zusammen’, which means the Black Eagles love to fly together.”
SI. “Card games, mostly, but the game we have playing the most is Monopoly Deal.”
Finally, the ultimate question: what does Germany mean to you?
SI. “Germany for me is my heritage. It means family, as part of my family members came from there, and it holds a special place in my heart. It is an important part of my life, that goes beyond rugby.”
JR. “German is quite special, as it is a very multicultural country and everyone is welcome here. You can go to town and enjoy Georgian, Portuguese, Chinese, Thai and other types of traditional foods that are now as well part of Germany. It is a country packed with opportunities.”
Germany will kick off their Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026 campaign against Romania on February 8th, and you can purchase the tickets on the official website and watch the game live on Pro 7 in Germany and on Rugby Europe TV from abroad.
By Francisco Isaac
