On the Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, Carl speaks with Mitch McGann, head coach of Dutch club RC Eemland, a founding team in the new Ascent Rugby Series beginning 22nd August in Frankfurt and now expanded from six to seven teams, including two Dutch sides (RC Eemland and The Dukes). McGann explains Eemland's identity as a family-oriented club with a strong youth pipeline and a recent shift from a forward-heavy style toward more ball movement and flair, and discusses how playing styles vary by region across the Netherlands. They preview Eemland's pre-season fixtures in the series against Poland's Pogon and Czech powerhouse Tatra, touch on scouting and preparation, highlight key players and new Kiwi signings, and discuss facility challenges, youth development via regional academies, and broader ambitions for cross-border competition and Dutch rugby growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Series Intro

00:58 RC Eemland Identity

02:37 Dutch Rugby Styles

04:28 Regional Differences

06:39 Dukes Rivalry Talk

09:22 Preseason and Fixtures

10:44 Pogon Lessons and Plan

14:13 Joining Ascent Rugby

16:00 Players to Watch

19:30 Scouting and Hosting Plans

22:43 Pitches and Facilities

27:59 Dutch Rugby Growth Pathway

32:31 Domestic Pro Vision

34:36 Why Ascent Matters

37:58 Funding and Future Format

42:24 Wrap Up and Tickets

🎟️ Tickets: ascentrugby.com

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