Rugby Europe will be interviewing some of the rising stars of the teams competing in the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship U18 and U20s, to figure out their goals, playing style and much more.
Our first guest is Germany’s U20 Alexander Lott, a versatile outside back ready to come flying out the traps in Prague.
Alexander, thank you for being here! What are your team’s goals for the 2024 Men’s Rugby Europe Championship U20?
Our team’s primary goal for the 2024 Men’s Rugby Europe Championship U20 is to finish in the top 5. We’re well aware that we’ve been handed a tough draw, especially with a strong side like the Netherlands in the quarters. However, we believe that we’re a highly competitive team and have the potential to perform at a high level. Another key objective is to secure the best possible placement to set up our future teams for better success.
What can you tell us about Germany? What type of team you are?
We aim to play high-pressure rugby, forcing mistakes and creating lots of scoring opportunities. Our style aims to be fast and attractive, keeping the game exciting. I can promise we’ll give everything to make this a great tournament.
Do you have any individual goals that you would like to achieve in the competition ?
My main objective is to contribute as much as I can to the team's success. Whether it's through my play or supporting my teammates, I’m focused on helping us perform at our best. It’s all about working together and doing whatever it takes for the team to succeed.
Do you think it is important for your country to play in the U20 Men's REC? Can you explain why?
It’s definitely important for our country to play in this competition. Competing at the international level in the U20s gives our players valuable experience that will help them transition into men’s rugby. It’s a great opportunity to challenge ourselves, grow as a team, and prepare for the next stages of our careers. Plus, performing well here can improve future draws for our national teams, which helps us progress as a rugby nation.
What message would you like to share with your team’s fans?
We would like to thank all our fans, families and friends for supporting us along the way. We truly appreciate it, and it means a lot to the whole team. You can be sure that we’ll give everything on the field, fight for every point, and make you proud. Your belief in us drives us forward, and we can’t wait to represent you in this competition."
Alongside Lott, there are more German players that you should follow, and we picked three to help you get hyped!
Luan Dietz (U18 / Wing) – energetic and flamboyant, Luan Dietz is the type of winger who loves to pull a couple of steps before sprinting away from the opposition. Scored a brace of tries to help Germany qualify for the 2024 Rugby Europe Championship, which should tell you how big of a threat the wing is.
Nils Benighaus (U18 / Loose Forward) – Germany’s U18 number-eight has a special knack for getting over the advantage line, shrugging off incoming tacklers and powering his way through. His wits around the ruck and scrum can make a difference in critical moments of the game.
Lucas Eule (U20 / hooker) – one of the most talented players from the U20 Schwarze Adler, Lucas Eule is certainly on track to become a special player for his country. Be it his well-polished lineout and scrum talents or the resilience to keep working non-stop, the hooker will be one of the standouts in the competition, be sure of that.
By Francisco Isaac
Photos : Rugby Deutschland
