Ascent Rugby Series Preview with RC Eemland Head Coach Mitch McGann | Rugby Through the Leagues Podcast

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 Intro00:58 RC Eemland Identity02:37 Dutch Rugby Styles04:28 Regional Differences06:39 Dukes Rivalry Talk09:22 Preseason and Fixtures10:44 Pogon Lessons and Plan14:13 Joining Ascent Rugby16:00 Players to Watch19:30 Scouting and Hosting Plans22:43 Pitches and Facilities27:59 Dutch Rugby Growth Pathway32:31 Domestic Pro Vision34:36 Why Ascent Matters37:58 Funding and Future Format42:24 Wrap Up and Tickets🎟️ Tickets: ascentrugby.com👉 Join free: rugbyttl.com/members👉 Get the App: rugbyttl.app