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Sport in Germany

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The club is one of the most traditional and successful rugby clubs in Germany and enjoys a high reputation nationally and internationally.

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Swimming options

Private swimming pools are not so popular in Germany, but there are good public swimming options available.

  • Public swimming pools / Öffentliche Schimmbäder / Freibad
  • Freiseitparks like Europapark
  • Baggersee (Man-made lakes)
  • Lakes
  • The ocean / Nordsee or Ostsee

Rules for swimming in Lakes

  1. Never dive/jump into a lake without knowing the depth of the water first. Many lakes are quite shallow, especially near the shore.
  2. Bring a sun umbrella or some form of shelter, and of course sunscreen.
  3. Bring swimming shoes or flip-flops, to avoid stepping on broken glass or other sharp objects that may be there.
  4. Don’t stay in the water too long. Children sometimes don’t realise how cold they are and lakes may remain quite cool, even in summer. 
  5. Bring plenty of towels to dry off after your swim. 
  6. Bring warm clothes for after your swim
  7. Bring a picnic, some lakes have benches and tables, but not all do, so bring a big blanket to sit on. Toilets are often available near the lakes. Food stalls sometimes have ice cream or snacks. Just be careful, sweets, drinks, beer, etc. attract insects (bees and wasps) 
  8.  Most facilities will allow smoking and alcoholic drinks, check for signs prohibiting.
  9. Some lakes do have currents and undertows – don’t overestimate your ability, stay close to shore if you are not a strong swimmer.
  10. Careful with floating mattresses, toys, etc. Water toys do not keep children as safe as watchful eyes!
  11. Be careful with your alcohol intake.
  12. WATCH YOUR KIDS – many lakes do not have lifeguards patrolling the area. Your kids are your own responsibility!
  13. In an emergency call the national emergency number –  112

Tidbits to know

  • Nude sunbathing is allowed in some areas around lakes Look out for FKK (Freie Körper Kultur) Zone.
  • At public pools swimwear is obligatory
  • Freibad does not mean for free
  • Sommerbad means it is only open in the summer
  • Bring coins with to public pools to make use of the lockers
  • Some public pool facilities have hair dryers that you can use (not free)
  • You are expected to shower before and after using a public pool
  • Wear swimming shoes or flip flops at the pool
  • Public pools are mostly overcrowded. Opt for indoor pools in summer if you only want to swim
  • Some areas in pools are restricted to those who cannot swim, for example children still learning to swim
  • No toys are allowed in public pools
  • Food and drinks can be bought at most public pools
  • The ground of the grass areas around lakes are usually a bit damp, so if you take a picnic blanket make sure it is lined. (Picknickdecke Wasserdicht)

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Cricket Worldcup 2023

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What are the legal options

Pubs and restaurants

If would like to watch it with others, consider visiting an Irish pub in your town, they usually have a television with a subscription to sports channels. It is a good idea to confirm with them what games they will be showing on that day. 
If you are close to Bielefeld, there is a South African Restaurant called Howzit, they show most of the major games. In Berlin, visit Outer Africa

Pay channels

If you are lucky ZDF will show some major international games but it is in German. 

Apps

Websites/Streaming

The following sites seem to offer legal streaming, please refer to their disclaimers. You are responsible for your own legal clarifications. No liability accepted.

  • Ran.de has some live streams but mostly 7’S
  • sanzaarrugby.tv– they show mostly Southern Hemisphere games. According to their website “Sanzaar rugby matches are only available in countries where rights to watch your content is available” According to Inverleigh Media,  Germany is on their list of countries.
  • URC TV –  United Rugby Championships. According to their website there are no limitations for Germany
  • Youtube channels
  • Rugby Deutschland
  • Sport.de

Radio Stations

You can listen to most games on radio stations. 

Radio Stations and Playlists

Most South African radio stations have a streaming option, another option is to download apps with a selection of radio stations. Here are some suggestions  

Resources on the web

Events

Forums and Groups

We have a sports Forum on our website.
Registered users can also access the Rugby and cricket groups

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