Rugby, like cricket, is a game that was introduced to Germany by the British military, and is still played and followed primarily by British expats. Rugby league and rugby union, two games with different rules, are both played in Berlin. The former was a break-off movement from union and is played widely in Australia, New Zealand and the north of England. The Rugby League Deutschland (rugby-league.de) was formed in 2004 and as of yet has no official Berlin team.

Rugby union is more popular in Germany because it was brought over in the early 20th century by Brits from the more affluent southern part of the country. The German Rugby Federation or Deutscher Rugby Verband (www.rugby-verband.de) controls the game. There are a number of rugby union clubs in Berlin, including Berliner Rugby Club (www.berliner-rugby-club.de), and the most international, BSV92 Rugby Club (www.bsvrugby.de), who have players from more than 14 countries. Both practise twice a week.

Touch rugby is a popular non-contact version of the game and is a great way to keep fit – see www.touchdeutschland.de for your nearest team.