William Esau (2004S), Coach of Rugby Club Rottweiler Germany shared the recent victory of his team with us in the following article:

What a fantastic day of rugby it was at the HTV home ground in Heidelberg! The sun was shining, the atmosphere was electric, and our Rottweiler boys delivered an outstanding performance to take home the silverware. The midseason tournament served as the perfect opportunity for all teams involved to get some valuable game time, especially after the short season break.

With the 2025 season in full swing, it was great to see HTV, Neckarsulm, and ourselves – RCR – all out on the field. Not all teams were at full strength, but the main aim here wasn't necessarily about winning – it was about getting back into the rhythm of competitive rugby and seeing where we stand as a club. The tournament was set up with two games each, with 2x20-minute halves, allowing players to gain important match experience.

As for RCR, we performed with precision and commitment, and it was great to see the squad as a whole stepping up. We've made some solid progress in the offseason, and it was rewarding to see the boys bring that hard work into this tournament. Every player, whether it was a starting regular or someone getting their first significant minutes, showed real passion and grit. There's a hunger in this team, and it was evident on the pitch.

This tournament wasn't just about our performance though – it was about the bigger picture. A selection team will be made from these clubs, and that team will be playing against a select side of Munich clubs, as well as possibly teams from other provinces. We hope this is just the beginning of something bigger. The vision is to grow the competition and eventually create more top-quality matchups for clubs in the second division and beyond.

Of course, we are aware that the road ahead won't be easy. As the team to beat, we know that the second half of the season is going to be a true test of our skills, focus, and determination. We are still pushing towards promotion, and that means we have to keep improving, keep challenging ourselves, and keep our eyes firmly on the prize.

But this past weekend, as a team we can bask in the success of a well-earned victory. The boys did the club proud, and I'm excited about what the second half of the season holds for us.

We wish William an excellent season as coach of the club!