From being on the tussle of the Men’s Rugby Europe Trophy to rising again and coming close to providing an upset against Georgia, Germany’s road in the last eight years has been eventful.
Eric Marks, RC Vannes and Germany’s utility forward, lived through those intense moments and shares his opinion of how his nation endured it,
“For some time, it all felt like a rollercoaster. When I first started playing for Germany’s senior squad we had a great setup, with everything seemed mostly under control and we came close to qualifying to the 2019 Men’s World Cup. Since then, the rollercoaster began. It wasn’t easy for the players, the union and, especially, the fans. Then the budget became a bigger problem, with that the setup as well, players from France as I, were just more difficult to release. It was a time of uncertainty until today.”
After playing in the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship for a while, the Schwarze Adler were relegated to the Trophy division, a step that allowed them to rekindle the embers of an exciting team.
“I think we needed a few years to restructure everything. Getting relegated wasn’t the end of the world, and it helped us rebuild and get back on track. We have a motivated team, consisting mostly of local players from our very own Bundesliga. Most aren’t professionals and make a herculean effort to practice and play for the national team, while having their full-time jobs. This also applies to our staff who make a stupendous effort daily. It shows the team's character, and how much they love playing for Germany. Everybody is excited for the tournament to start. It is the highlight of the year for us.”
With the expansion of the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship division, Germany rejoined Spain, Portugal, Romania Netherlands, and Georgia at the top in 2023. One year later, they hosted the opening round of the tournament against the Lelos, in a superb clash of grit. and heart.
“It was a stunning performance. We knew we were going to play against the record Rugby Europe champions, and needed to be up to task, be it in the scrum, lineout, maul, counter-kicking, etc. If we wanted to accomplish something special, we needed to put our bodies on the line, and we did it. I remember stepping onto the field and looking at that big home and vibrant Dessau crowd waiting for us.
“It was a rainy day, a muddy field and a very old-school type of rugby game. Maybe it wasn’t the prettiest game of all time, but we came prepared for it. We exploited the tinniest individual’s errors to reach the try line, and our defence was incredible. There was a phase of play that I still remember like it was yesterday: Georgia pushed us back for more than thirty metres and were just centimetres away from the try area. We countered the ruck, recovered the ball and went on a spree, pushing them back sixty metres. They were frustrated with how the game was going.”
However, there is a tinge of regret at the way the match eventually panned out.
“But I think we can be a bit frustrated as well, as a couple of moments could’ve gone our way. A penalty we shouldn’t have conceded, or a lineout that we easily lost control, could’ve been enough to keep us away from a losing bonus point or even something more. The score was very close until the end, so it could’ve been possible to land another result. Overall, we were happy, and I hope it inspires us for this year’s campaign. At the same time, I hope it inspired fans to believe that we can compete against the top nations.”
One of the most special features of that fixture was the home crowd, with German fans filling the Dessau Stadium to the brim, providing an unreal atmosphere that Marks won’t ever forget,
“It was such a spectacular environment. Dessau isn’t a rugby city, and it was our first time playing in that stadium. But they made an effort to come from far and wide to show their support, and it was inspirational for us. It was such a great moment to arrive there and see that big crowd waiting for us. It was a day/game that showed us what we were playing for. I think the post-game scenes were stunning, as the crowd were celebrating with us on the pitch, kids running from one player to another asking for a signature. We appreciate their passion and effort to be there with us, and this is the type of support we need to inspire us to do greater things.”
Marks’s story with the German senior national setup started in 2016, playing in some of his country’s most significant fixtures in the last nine years. So, which game is the one he remembers more fondly?
“There were so many! Our victory over Romania in 2017 is probably my favourite cap for Germany. The game was played in Offenbach, and it went down to the wire. We were winning by 3 points and in the last play, Romania had a 5-meter lineout, and their idea was to create a maul to score a winning try. But we waited for the right moment, jumped first, stole the lineout throw and kicked out. It was a huge moment for Germany, and it caused waves in the rugby world.”
The loose forward was one of the last great names coming out from his nation’s grassroots system, but his life with the oval ball started rather ‘late’.
“Yeah, of course, my first sport was football. When in Germany… I have done swimming as well, and a few other sports. I started my rugby life at 11 years old, and the first feeling I got from my club, RC Aachen, was warmth. I felt welcomed like it was a big family. I immediately stopped all other sports and fully embraced rugby. I stayed at Aachen until 2016 and then moved to Stade Rochelais to become an academy player. There was a bit of German heritage in La Rochelle, as Robert Mohr had been captain of the club for quite a few years. I went for a trial, and after it, they invited me to stay with the club.”
But we are getting ahead of ourselves… why rugby?
“The sense of community, being part of a big family had a big impact on me. Most of my best friends came from rugby. We had such a good time sharing the same pitch and experiences. There was a time that I wished to have a practice session every day, as I couldn’t sit still at home, and wanted just more joy and fun. I didn’t enjoy rugby because it was just a good sport, I loved it because of the community. I wouldn’t be here, playing for Germany and Vannes, if it wasn’t for them. It helps you find that inner motivation to keep going through.”
As already mentioned, Marks left his Aachen in 2016 to fight for the chance to become a pro rugby player. Was it an easy decision?
“It wasn’t an easy one, but I wouldn’t say it was hard. Of course, you think about the worst-case scenarios, and I had doubts about leaving my family and friends behind. But I had the best support, and if in the end, it didn’t work out, I could always come back home. I thought to myself ‘Step by step. It is going to be an experience abroad, if it goes well, maybe I can become a pro, but let’s walk the path slowly. Things panned out, and I don’t regret my decision to move to France. It is one of those once-a-lifetime experiences, and I am happy I took it.”
After a handful of years as a Stade Rochelais academy player, Marks moved to RC Vannes in 2019, instantly becoming a starter in the Bretagne side. With more than 100 caps for his club, can he select the greatest moment since joining Vannes?
“Oh, it’s so easy to answer that question: The Pro D2 final! It was intense. Sometimes I can’t find the right words to describe it all… the atmosphere was indescribable, and it was thanks to our fans. Most of them made a 7-hour drive to reach Toulouse. Their presence was what made the difference in the game. They just came in droves and packed three-quarters of the stadium, pushing for us, singing our anthems and going mad every time something good happened. And that final whistle… everyone running and hugging. The journey back to Vannes was also special. We could barely go through the crowd when we arrived in Vannes. We all made history for the club, be it us, the supporters, or those who in the years before worked hard to help the club grow.”
Let’s move on to the quick-draw questions… a meal or treat that rugby fans try when in Germany?
“They definitely have to order a Schweinshaxen mit Knödel! It is a pork knuckle with some potato dumplings. It is very Bavarian! Yes, I know it is a bit of a stereotype, but I enjoy it so much! It is an after-game meal, of course, you can’t have it before.”
And a word?
“That’s a hard one, as I don’t speak German that much anymore as I am playing/living in France. But let’s say Karneval, as we are getting close to that time of the year, and I enjoy it a lot.”
What’s the definition of being a German international?
“The German player is a workhorse. He doesn’t complain about anything. As I said in previous talks, we don’t have a lot in German rugby, but we do what we can with the little we have. The German player pours every bit of his soul into the team. We want more, but we know we have to work for it and step by step, we will achieve our goals. That’s the best definition of what a German international player is.”
And is the team ready for the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship 2025?
“Yeah, for sure. The excitement is starting to build up for the whole team. We have a very important year ahead of us, with the possibility of qualifying for the Men’s Rugby World Cup. I know we are the underdogs, but we embrace that status wholeheartedly. We are preparing for it, and almost ready to go!”
A final message for those at home.
“I really hope to see you all soon, as we have an important home game against Belgium! We need your support, and we are very excited to have you again in the stands cheering and helping us.”
The “Schwarze Adler” matches will be shown on Pro Sieben Maxx and the other matches in the tournament will be on the digital platforms Joyn and Ran.de. For the rest of the games they will be available on rugbyeurope.tv.
By Francisco Isaac
