Can Singapore become Asia’s rugby hub? | Paul Tietjens

Can Singapore become Asia’s rugby hub? | Paul Tietjens

From What’s All The Ruckus? by Charlie Elliott and Josh Saunders

May 15, 2026 · 39 min

About this episode

The episode explores Singapore's potential to become a rugby powerhouse in Asia through an interview with Paul Tietjens.

Singapore has long been a key stop on the global Sevens circuit, but can it become a genuine rugby powerhouse in its own right? In this episode, we sit down with Paul Tietjens, Head of Sevens in Singapore, to explore how the nation is building its rugby identity through the fast-paced format of the game. We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rugby in South East Asia, why Sevens can be the engine for long-term growth in fifteens, and how Singapore compares with regional rival Hong Kong in infrastructure, culture, and ambition. Rugby pedigree runs deep in the Tietjens family. Paul is the son of legendary coach Sir Gordon Tietjens, widely regarded as one of the greatest Sevens coaches of all time after transforming the All Blacks sevens team into a global force over more than two decades. We also talk about the influence of growing up around elite rugby environments, and what lessons from New Zealand and Samoa can be applied to emerging rugby nations today. x:@AllTheRuckusPod

People in this episode

Hosts: Charlie Elliott, Josh Saunders

Guest: Paul Tietjens

Topics covered

  • rugby
  • Sevens
  • sports development
  • Singapore
  • South East Asia
  • rugby culture

Keywords

  • rugby
  • Singapore
  • Sevens
  • South East Asia
  • Hong Kong
  • Gordon Tietjens
  • rugby identity
  • sports development

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: All Blacks

Places: Singapore, Hong Kong, South East Asia, New Zealand, Samoa

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