Beginners Guide to Rugby Betting

Rugby is fast becoming popular the world over, garnering more spectatorship from punters by the day. For this reason, the gambling scene is seeing a considerable increase in rugby betting sites.

Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
By Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
  2. Betting Academy
  3. Betting on Rugby

Many beginners find the different codes or formats of the game rather complex and difficult to follow. The sport has two distinct codes, namely the Rugby Union and Rugby League. Each code has its specific set of rules and is targeted at a different audience.

In this article, we’ll highlight all you need to know about these codes, as well as the basic betting rules. We’ll also give you a few rugby betting tips, pointers on the best rugby betting sites and highlight a few popular competitions to be aware of. At the end of the article, you should be more than confident to wager money on your favourite sport!

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Understanding the rules

rugby match

To better understand how rugby betting works, you need to know the basic rules of the sport. These rules will help you to analyze the mentioned codes and ultimately help you with your betting strategy. Generally, a rugby game lasts for 80 minutes, with each half lasting 40 minutes.

Depending on the type of game, each team can have up to 15 players with 7 substitutes. The game has one referee and two judges. Players should never pass the ball forward, and they can’t tackle above the shoulders. If the ball goes into touch, a line out is called, and 7 players can form this line out. A successful conversion occurs if a player kicks the ball through the top section of the ball.

Rugby Union rules

Moving on to the codes, we’ll start by taking a closer look at the Rugby Union rules. Rugby Union comprises two teams with 15 players each. Games last for 80 minutes with 40 minutes for each half. The main goal of this game is for a team to get the ball past the opposition’s try line. If the team succeeds, it wins 5 points. Once the team successfully records a try, they have the chance to kick the ball through the two posts—known as a conversion — to gain two additional points.

Defenders try to hold off the attacking team by tackling them to the floor. If the attacker falls to the ground, it’s called a ruck. If the attacker remains to stand, it’s called a maul. If at any point an infringement occurs, such as tackling over the shoulders or pushing the ball forward, an offside decision results. In this case, the opposing team has the chance to kick the ball downfield to form a line out or opt to form a scrum.

Rugby League rules

With Rugby League betting, rules are similar to Rugby Union games, where the game’s duration and how teams score points are concerned. The difference lies in the fact that Rugby League games have a quicker pace. Also, where a try gives a team five points in Rugby Union, the team gets only four with Rugby League games. Conversions also have two points. A drop goal has one point, whereas it attracts three points in Rugby Union.

Rugby League games have only 13 players for each team. There are no rucks or mauls in Rugby League games. Instead, if a player is tackled, he retains possession of the ball and rolls it back to his teammate. In addition, with League games, players have a limited time to hold the ball. Also, players can only be tackled six times before turning over the ball. Plus, there are no line-outs.

Where to find Rugby betting websites?

Even though rugby betting websites are popping up everywhere, not all of them are created equal or worth your time. As such, to get the most of your betting experience, you need to sign up with a site that provides the best rugby betting opportunities. In our table below, you can find the top bookmakers for rugby betting with the best odds.

Bet365Rating: 5.0/5
Bet365 online
  • Different bonuses
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  • High odds
New Customers only. Registration required. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. +18 | Terms & Conditions time limits & exclusions apply. #Advertisement
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BetwayRating: 4.9/5
Betway online
  • High odds
  • Great markets
  • Superb support
  • Welcome offers
New customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £10. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Terms apply 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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Free Bet £10
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888sportRating: 4.6/5
888sport online
  • Fantastic bonuses
  • Good sportsbook
  • Amazing casino games
  • Many payment methods
+18 | Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets are credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes are not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days, wins are capped at £/€/$500 • To withdraw bonus/related wins, you must wager the bonus amount up to 40 times its value within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Casino Bonus can be used on selected games in casino only • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods & countries & full T&Cs apply | begamblingaware | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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BwinRating: 4.7/5
Bwin online
  • Big range of sport betting options
  • High odds
  • Casino games
  • Poker platform
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Pace 1 sport bet (3+ selections) } Excl Horse Racing| Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min odds 1/5 (1.5) for each selection | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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William HillRating: 4.9/5
William Hill online
  • Wide range of casino games
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  • Lots of other betting options like bingo and poker
  • Cash Out option
New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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£30 Welcome Offer
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KarambaRating: 4.4/5
Karamba online
  • Excellent promotion package
  • Convenient payments
  • Mobile apps for iOS & Android
New customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. Real money bets required for Karamba battle. Participants subject to timeout. £1000 Winner cash prize guaranteed. 18+ | | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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BoyleSportsRating: 4.5/5
BoyleSports online
  • Variety of sports markets
  • Good odds
  • Mobile apps for Android & iOS
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18+. UK Customers (Excluding NI) only. Cash stakes only. Min £10 stake required for initial £5 free bet. Min odds ½. Max £25 in free bets. Subsequent free bets equal 50% average of each 3 £5 max qualifying bets. 13 settled bets required to receive full £25 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed on sportsbook within 30 days of opening account. Cashed out bets will not qualify towards your average stake. One free bet offer per customer, household or IP address only. Free bet expires after 7 days. Payment method restrictions apply. T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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£25 New Customer Exclusive Offer
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BetUKRating: 4.6/5
BetUK online
  • Great selection of sports betting markets
  • Competitive Odds
  • Various Betting Features
  • Android and iOS mobile apps
NEW Significant terms: T&Cs apply. New customers, Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 free bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. Stake not returned. Opt-in required. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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Virgin BetRating: 4.6/5
Virgin Bet online
  • Great selection of sports markets
  • High-level Odds
  • Casino Games
  • Excellent Betting Features Included
*New members. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook, placed & settled at 1.5 min odds within 14 days of sign-up. Register before 17:59 8/04/20022 and after 18.00 9/04/2022. Win part of the E/W bets. 2 non-withdrawable £10 Free Bet Tokens: accept in 7 days, valid for 7 days from acceptance (ex E/Ws & Multiples), stakes not returned. 18+ T&Cs Apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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CoralRating: 4.6/5
Coral online
  • Good looking website
  • An operator with a long history
  • Great selection of sports
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18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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BetVictorRating: 4.6/5
BetVictor online
  • eSports betting markets
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New Customers only. Deposit, opt in and place a £5 qualifying bet at odds of 2.00 or greater within 7 days of opening a new account; excludes cashed out bets. Receive 2x £10 Free Sports Bets, valid on set events only at odds 2.00 or greater, expires in 7 days.  Plus a £10 Game Show Bonus, selected games, wager 40x to withdraw a max of £250. PayPal and Card Payments only. Geographical Restrictions and T&Cs Apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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UnibetRating: 4.6/5
Unibet online
  • Good bonuses
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New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. No deposit required for NI customers. Call 08081699314 to claim. Full T&Cs apply | 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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InterbetRating: 4.6/5
Interbet online
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KwiffRating: 4.6/5
Kwiff online
  • Licensed Brand
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New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £/€10. Qualifying real money bet of £/€10. Min. odds greater than or equal to 1.50 required. Each way bets excluded. Offer credited within 48 hours. Additional T&Cs apply. | 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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NovibetRating: 4.6/5
Novibet online
  • Attractive Odds
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BetfredRating: 4.5/5
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New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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BetRegalRating: 4.5/5
BetRegal online
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New customers only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller, Paypal not eligible. T&Cs apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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10betRating: 4.5/5
10bet online
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New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50; Once per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager 8 times deposit + bonus, max qualifying bet equal to initial bonus amount; valid for 60 days; Min odds of 4/5 on singles or 2/5 per acca leg; Some bet types excluded; See full terms; 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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FitzdaresRating: 4.5/5
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New customers only aged 21+. Minimum deposit £10. Qualifying bet must be placed at odds of evens (2.0) or greater. Get 50% back on first day losses as a free bet up to £50 plus 10 free spins on Reel King, credited within 24 hours. Free Bet and Spins expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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LadbrokesRating: 4.6/5
Ladbrokes online
  • High Odds
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18+ New UK+IRE customers. Certain deposits and bet types excl. Min £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x /€5 free bets. Free bets valid available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Rrestrictions + T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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VStarBetRating: 4.6/5
VStarBet online
  • Big list of sports
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New Players Only. Minimum stake €/£/$10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not refunded. 10X wagering the winning from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Maximum conversion: €/£/$20. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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BetNeptuneRating: 4.5/5
BetNeptune online
  • Variety of sport markets
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New Players Only. Minimum £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet is a one-time stake of £10, minimum odds of 1.50, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: £20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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Parimatch UKRating: 4.7/5
Parimatch UK online
  • Licensed bookmaker and casino
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18+ Opt In, bet £5 (odds 2.00+) within 7 days. No cash out. Get 2x £10 Free Bets, set events odds 2.00+ & £10 Slot Bonus selected games, wager 35x to withdraw max £250. Bonuses expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Please gamble responsibly
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BetTargetRating: 4.5/5
BetTarget online
  • Competitive Odds
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New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not Eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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GatobetRating: 4.5/5
Gatobet online
  • Good welcome bonus
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New Players Only. Minimum £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet is a one-time stake of £30, minimum odds of 2, stake is not returned, maximum Conversion £30, 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Valid for 5 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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HopaRating: 4.5/5
Hopa online
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Genting BetRating: 4.5/5
Genting Bet online
  • Good looking website
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Sig. terms: New customers only. First £10+ (£10 E/W) real money bet at odds of 2.0+ qualifies. £10 free bet credited following bet settlement and to be used on sports. Stake not returned, use within 7 days. begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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BetitonRating: 4.5/5
Betiton online
  • Generous bonuses
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New Customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. T&CS APPLY. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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BetConnectRating: 4.5/5
BetConnect online
  • Useful and good looking design
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  • Good promotions including a welcome bonus
Deposit at least £10 to claim £20 free bet credit. Winnings from free bet credit paid into cash balance, minus the free bet credit amount. Match condition for the first three Bet Request received. Any losses from first three Bet Requests covered by free bet credit up to a maximum of £20 in total. | 18+T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk |
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MatchbookRating: 4.5/5
Matchbook online
  • Good payment methods
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SkybetRating: 4.5/5
Skybet online
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Mobile WinsRating: 4.4/5
Mobile Wins online
  • Excellent website design
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New Players Only. Minimum stake £10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not returned. 10X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Max conversion: £20. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
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Bet DukesRating: 4.4/5
Bet Dukes online
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Sporting IndexRating: 4.4/5
Sporting Index online
  • Trusted and Licensed brand
  • Great betting exchange
  • High odds at the Sportsbook
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New UK & Eire clients only. 50% cashback on cumulative net losses on qualifying spread bets placed and settled within 7 days of account opening. Fully, partially or reverse closed bets do not qualify. Max cashback £500. Full terms apply. Spread betting involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits. Always bet responsibly | 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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SportNationRating: 4.4/5
SportNation online
  • Great selection of sports
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LucksterRating: 4.4/5
Luckster online
  • Great range of sports betting options
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LuckLandRating: 4.3/5
LuckLand online
  • Great Variety of Sports betting options
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T&Cs apply. This offer is for new customers only and is available once per household. 18+. Max Free Bet Token amount: £10. Min deposit: £10. Minimum wagering on Sport to activate the Free Bet Token: £15. Restrictions Apply. begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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JeffBetRating: 4.3/5
JeffBet online
  • Many betting options on sports
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New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply.
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Paddy PowerRating: 4.3/5
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MrRexRating: 4.3/5
MrRex online
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Bethard Rating: 4.3/5
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BetSteveRating: 4.3/5
BetSteve online
  • List with many sports events
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New Players Only. Minimum stake €/£/$10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not refunded. 10X wagering the winning from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only wagering stats from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Maximum conversion: €/£/$20. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
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SwishBetRating: 4.2/5
SwishBet online
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So, what makes the best rugby bookie, you might ask? Well, first, you need to check if the site offers a generous welcome bonus. Then you must check if the bookie puts forward the rugby betting odds early. Such sites are trustworthy and prove their reliability than those that update odds minutes before the game starts. You also want to pick a website that offers competitive odds.

Also, check if the betting platform offers several major competitions and a wide range of betting markets. You’ll also want to pledge allegiance with the site that offers things like in-play betting, where you can bet during the game.

Which are the most popular competitions?

rugby match player ball

As we mentioned before, you must look for a betting operator that offers significant competitions. In essence, that means not all rugby competitions are as popular. Major tournaments happen across the northern and southern hemispheres. Some concentrate on age group-specific competitions, while others are gender-specific.

You’ll also find one-off competitions as well as ongoing tournaments that can occur either annually or once every four years. Of the numerous competitions you’ll come across in the world of rugby, the Six Nations, World Cup, and Rugby League are the most popular rugby competitions. We’ll unpack them a little further below.

Six Nations

The Six Nations rugby tournament is considered one of the most popular rugby events globally and has been running since 1883. It follows why the Six Nations rugby betting odds generate a lot of public interest. The competition takes place once a year, and the nations that participate are England, France, Scotland, Italy, Wales, and Ireland.

The teams that participate in the Six Nation competition are predominantly made up of male players. The unions of the six nations are involved in the organizing of this annual tournament. Historically, Wales and England are the most successful teams in this tournament.

World Cup

The Rugby World Cup is yet another popular event among the sport’s enthusiasts. You’ll find two tournaments under this competition — one for men and the other for women. Both events take place every four years. The idea behind this is to avoid the prestigious event clashing with other popular rugby tournaments.

Several nations participate in the Rugby World Cup, including Germany, Australia, South Africa, Japan, the United States of America, Wales, and Russia.

Rugby League

The Rugby League promotion is another ongoing competition availed by bookies. Under this competition, several teams go head to head to wind up being top of the league. The Rugby League originated in England after a split from the Rugby Football Union. To date, several European, Australasian, and Pacific Island countries participate in the league. As mentioned earlier, 13 players play in this league. The aim of this league is for teams to score more points than their opponents. This is done by placing the ball over the try line or kicking the ball through two goalposts.

Short history and facts

Rugby is believed to have started back in 1845 at a Rugby School in Rugby, Warwickshire in England. The game is said to have started during a game of football when William Webb Ellis decided to pick up the ball and run with it towards the opposite goal post instead of passing it to a teammate. While this theory is hearsay, and there’s not much evidence to back this story, the Rugby World Cup Trophy is now named after William Webb Ellis. In 1895, Rugby Football split to form two distinct groups, namely Rugby Union and Rugby League, which we explained earlier.

By the 20th century, the game started increasing in popularity. However, it was still played as an amateur sport by people who worked other jobs. It’s not until 1995 that rugby became a professional sport. Since then, several nations mentioned earlier have been participating in the game.

Final thoughts

No doubt, the game of rugby has won the hearts of many punters. Betting on the game need not be a complex task. You just need to have a deeper understanding of how both codes of the game work. That will help you analyze the games better and formulate your betting strategy. As you’re probably aware, like with any sport, rugby also has multiple betting options, and punters need to understand where to place their bets. You can either bet on the team you think will win or the total number of points scored in a match, to mention a few options.

But overall, it’s crucial to align yourself with a legit and reputable betting site to avoid being ripped off. Look for a verified and licensed betting site where possible that provides you with the most competitive rugby lines for each fixture at any given time. With that said, are you ready to dive into the world of rugby betting?

FAQ

How to bet on rugby games?

Rugby has numerous betting options, such as the Outrights or Win bet, where you bet on the team that’ll win. Then you have rugby league handicap betting, where you place a handicap on the underdog that the opposing team must surpass. Players can also predict the half-time/full-time result.

Can I bet on rugby games live?

Yes, some bookies allow punters to bet on rugby games live. In this case, you can watch the match you bet on live because the bookmaker streams the game.

Can I find any dedicated rugby betting apps?

Yes, some bookies design native rugby betting apps for their customers. However, you can also find independent sports betting apps featuring rugby.

How do you find the best odds in rugby betting?

You’ll need to ensure the bookie provides rugby odds for a game. Use these odds to figure out which bet will give you the highest profit. That’ll help you determine how much money you place on a bet.

What are 3-way bets in Rugby betting?

3-way bets are when punters predict the number of points that’ll be scored in a match with three different lines set by the bookie.

Author

Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
Certified Betting Expert
Kristiyan Kyulyunkov specializes in bookmakers’ analyses. He has years of experience betting online and always keeps an eye on the different operators. His tasks in Nostrabet include writing, editing and publishing expert reviews.