Munich Hosts World Rugby’s Challenger Series: Rugby Union’s Resurgence in the Bavarian Capital
Munich, a city renowned for its football and athletics prowess, is set to host the World Rugby’s Challenger Series this weekend, a pivotal competition that serves as a gateway to the prestigious HSBC SVNS circuit. The top four-placed men’s Sevens teams in Munich will secure their spots in the promotion and relegation play-off competition at the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid.
Rugby union’s rich history in Munich dates back to the early 20th century when the sport was played alongside football by various clubs in the city. In 1922, a group of rugby enthusiasts sought to establish the sport locally, with Bayern Munich being at the forefront of this effort. The club’s rugby team gained traction and even secured Bavarian championship titles in 1927 and 1928, cementing their dominance.
Despite the challenges that led to the disbandment of other rugby teams by 1933 and Bayern’s own rugby club in 1936, the sport would eventually make a comeback in the city.
In 1977, Munich RFC was founded, marking the resurgence of rugby union in the Bavarian capital. The club’s inaugural game in 1978 was the first proper rugby match in the city since the sport’s effective disbandment decades earlier.
Over the years, Munich RFC has become a prominent figure in the German rugby landscape, competing in various leagues and even reaching the top tier of the Rugby-Bundesliga. The club’s women’s team has also made its mark, with Yvonne Schwarzkopf becoming the first German international player.
As the city prepares to host the World Rugby’s Challenger Series, the event’s significance extends beyond the rugby field. Munich’s world-class sporting facilities, including the iconic Olympiastadion, have witnessed the city’s rich sporting heritage, from the 1972 Summer Olympics to the ongoing success of its football and basketball teams.
World Rugby Chief Competitions and Performance Officer Nigel Cass expressed his excitement for the upcoming event, highlighting the increased competitiveness and growth of rugby sevens globally. With the Olympic Games on the horizon, 2024 promises to be a pivotal year for the sport, and the Challenger Series in Munich is poised to showcase the best of rugby union’s rising talent.
đź”— Source
