Erwin Thiesies

Erwin Thiesies (22 August 1908 – 18 February 1993) was a German international rugby union player, playing for the Berliner SV 92 Rugby and the Germany national rugby union team.

After the Second World War, Thiesies helped form the rugby department of BSG Stahl Hennigsdorf, which he coached until 1977. He was also the coach of the German Democratic Republic national rugby union team from 1951 to 1972.

During the Second World War, he was stationed in France and was able to make contact with French rugby players, who he trained with.

In 1950, he became a member of the new rugby branch of the East German Football Association. He became the full-time coach of Stahl in 1953, being employed through the local steelworks. He was also the first coach of the new East Germany national team, which he was in charge of in 35 internationals throughout the years.

Until his retirement in 1977, he coached Stahl to 17 national championships. Over the years, he was honoured by German and international rugby federations for his service to the sport.

He remained a strong supporter of rugby in Hennigsdorf until his death in 1993 and is remembered as the soul of rugby in the town.

Honours

Coach East German rugby union championship Champions: (17) 1952, 1953, 1960–62, 1965–71, 1973–77