[2] Germany's greatest achievement in men's rugby is arguably the silver medal won at the 1900 Olympic Games.

The German rugby union team's history began on 17 April 1927, when they played France in Paris, losing 5–30.

The Barbarians included a host of internationals including Scott Hastings, Peter Stringer, Shaun Longstaff, Jeff Probyn, Frankie Sheahan, Russell Earnshaw, Shaun Connor, John Langford and Derwyn Jones and won 47-19 against a determined German team.

Germany remained in the second division of the European Nations Cup until 2008, when it achieved promotion to the top level, facing Europe's number 7 to 11 teams in 2009 and 2010.

Its declared aim at this level was to avoid relegation; qualification for the 2011 Rugby World Cup was not really expected from the team.

Stolorz was seconded to the German team by the Fédération française de rugby to improve Germany's performance in the sport.

[12] After five losses in the European Nations Cup in 2009, Germany achieved a win in a friendly against Hong Kong late in the year.

Despite disappointing results on the field and the distinct possibility of Germany being relegated, the sport made some progress in the country in 2009–10.

[16] In October 2009, the DRV decided to set its aim at playing two friendlies every year in November at home and two in January abroad.

[19] Germany suffered a defeat in its opening game of the 2010–2012 European Nations Cup First Division B, losing to Poland 17–22 after leading 17–9 at half time.

The defeat was seen as unnecessary by the President of the German Rugby Federation, Claus-Peter Bach, but he also considered Poland's victory as deserved.

[22] Germany again competed in the European Nations Cup First Division B in 2012–2014, once more facing Poland, Moldova and the Czech Republic.

[27] Germany's coach Torsten Schippe resigned from his post in April 2013, citing work commitments as the reason, despite achieving good results with his team.

[29] Germany started the autumn of 2013 with two wins in friendlies against the B team of the Czech Republic and the New Zealand Ambassador's XV, the later with former All Black captain Taine Randell in its ranks.

[33] Germany's last game of the 2012–14 campaign was against Sweden on 26 April where a bonus point win would guarantee the side the championship, promotion and an advancement in the Rugby World Cup qualifying.

[40] Germany played two friendlies against Brazil, on 28 November in Blumenau, and 4 December in São Paulo as warm-up matches for the upcoming European Nations Cup games.

[41] In the first-ever game against a South American opponent Germany won 29–12 and thereby climbed to 27th spot in the world ranking.

[43] After losing to Romania Germany drew their final game of the campaign, against Spain, thereby finishing in fifth place, above Portugal, and avoiding relegation.

[46][47] German 23-player squad for their match against UK Armed Forces in November 2024, and in preparation for their test match against United Arab Emirates[48] Head Coaches: Mark Kuhlmann The following players have captained Germany in the recent past: The following coaches have led Germany in the recent past: The following players were part of the team that won the silver medal at the 1900 Summer Olympics:[50]