Rugby is a fast-paced, physical, and highly strategic sport that has gained popularity across the globe — especially in countries like the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Alongside the growing fanbase, rugby betting has become a favorite among sports bettors due to its unpredictability, intensity, and wide range of betting markets.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about betting on rugby: how it works, the types of bets you can place, and some useful tips to get you started.

🏉 Understanding Rugby: Union vs League

Before diving into betting, it’s important to know that rugby comes in two main formats:

  • Rugby Union – 15 players per team, with longer matches and more complex tactics. It’s the version used in the Six Nations, Rugby World Cup, and the Premiership.
  • Rugby League – 13 players per team, faster pace, and slightly different rules. Popular in Australia (NRL) and parts of England (Super League).

Betting markets and strategies may differ between these two formats, so always double-check which code you’re betting on.

📊 Popular Rugby Betting Markets

Rugby offers a wide range of betting options. Here are some of the most common:

1. Match Winner (1X2)

Betting on which team will win the match — or whether it will end in a draw.
✅ Simple and perfect for beginners.

2. Handicap Betting

Since some teams are much stronger than others, bookmakers apply a points handicap.
Example: New Zealand -14.5 vs Italy +14.5
If you bet on New Zealand, they must win by 15 points or more for your bet to succeed.

3. Total Points (Over/Under)

You bet on whether the total points scored in a match will be over or under a specific number.

4. First Try Scorer / Anytime Try Scorer

Bet on which player will score the first try — or score a try at any point in the game.
💡 Great for fans who know individual players well.

5. Winning Margin

You can predict not just who wins, but by how many points. This is riskier but often comes with higher odds.

📌 Tips for Successful Rugby Betting

  1. Know the Teams and Players
    Research recent form, injuries, head-to-head history, and team line-ups.
  2. Consider the Weather
    Rain or wind can seriously impact scoring. Wet weather often means fewer points — great for betting the under.
  3. Home Advantage Matters
    Rugby crowds are loud and passionate. Playing at home often gives teams a real edge.
  4. Watch the Game (Live Betting)
    Live betting lets you react to what’s happening on the field. If a team looks tired or loses a key player, odds may shift in your favor.
  5. Bankroll Management
    Don’t chase losses. Set a budget and stick to it. Rugby betting is unpredictable — and that’s part of the fun.

📅 Major Rugby Events to Bet On

  • Rugby World Cup (every 4 years)
  • Six Nations Championship (Europe)
  • The Rugby Championship (Southern Hemisphere)
  • Super Rugby Pacific
  • National Rugby League (NRL) – for Rugby League fans
  • Premiership Rugby – English domestic league

These tournaments offer a wide range of betting opportunities, often with detailed coverage and stats.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Rugby betting combines the thrill of a physical sport with the analytical depth of strategic wagering. Whether you’re backing the All Blacks in the World Cup or placing a cheeky try-scorer bet on a local derby, there’s always action and excitement.

Like all sports betting, the key is knowledge, patience, and discipline. With a bit of research and the right mindset, rugby betting can be both entertaining and potentially profitable.

Our Posts

A Disputed Try

Scotland were leading by a try to nil when one of their players, CW Berry, “knocked back” the ball near their line when it was “thrown out from touch” – in modern parlance, in a Read more…