Beginners Guide On Rugby Union Betting

Rugby Union is a thrilling sport full of strategy, skill, and hard-hitting action. For many fans, placing a bet adds extra excitement to the game. Whether you're brand new to the sport or just new to betting on it, this guide will walk you through the key betting markets, provide practical examples, and offer solid tips to improve your chances.

1. Understanding the Basics of Rugby Union

Rugby Union features two teams of 15 players, and the goal is to score more points than the opposition by grounding the ball in the try zone (a try), kicking it through the posts (penalty or conversion), or dropping it through during play (drop goal). Matches last 80 minutes, split into two halves.

Before betting, it’s important to have a feel for team tactics, player form, and match context. This foundation helps when deciding how to bet.

2. Key Rugby Union Betting Markets

Here are the most common rugby union markets you’ll see:

1. Match Winner (1X2)
You’re betting on which team will win, or if it ends in a draw (rare).
Example:

• England: 1.80

• Ireland: 2.00

• Draw: 21.00

If you bet €20 on Ireland and they win, your payout would be €20 x 2.00 = €40.

2. Handicap Betting (Spread)
Bookmakers apply a points advantage or disadvantage to even out the teams.
Example:

• France -6.5: 1.90

• Scotland +6.5: 1.90

If you bet €10 on France, they must win by 7+ points to cover the handicap and return €19.

3. Over/Under Total Points
You're betting on the total number of points scored by both teams.
Example:

• Over 43.5 points: 1.95

• Under 43.5 points: 1.85

If you bet €15 on Over and the final score is 28-20 (48 total), you win €15 x 1.95 = €29.25.

4. Winning Margin
Pick how much a team will win by, grouped in ranges.
Example:

• New Zealand to win by 1–10: 3.50

• New Zealand to win by 11–20: 4.50

5. First Try Scorer
Bet on which player scores the first try. Odds are higher here due to the unpredictability.
Example:

• Cheslin Kolbe: 10.00

• Johnny Sexton: 21.00

A €5 bet on Kolbe returns €50 if he scores first.

6. Half-Time/Full-Time
Predict the leader at half-time and at full-time. Great for high-value combo bets.
Example:

• Wales/Wales: 2.30

• Wales/England: 6.50

7. Double Result
Similar to HT/FT but focused on just win/draw combinations without scorelines.

3. Practical Example: Full Bet Breakdown

Match: Australia vs South Africa
You bet €25 on:

• South Africa to win: 2.10

• Over 42.5 total points: 1.88 (same match combo)

Potential outcome:

• South Africa wins 27–22 (49 points total)

• Payout = €25 x 2.10 x 1.88 = €98.70

This is known as a bet builder or combo bet.

4. 7 Practical Tips for Betting on Rugby Union

1. Understand the styles of play
Teams like South Africa or England rely on physicality and kicking. New Zealand or France play faster, more attacking rugby. Match style can influence your bets, especially in total points markets.

2. Watch the weather
Wet conditions usually lead to lower scores. If rain is forecast, consider the Under market.

3. Learn the competition
Betting on Six Nations is different from club-level matches like the Top 14 or Premiership. Squad depth, travel fatigue, and player availability vary.

4. Avoid long odds bets early on
While first try scorer bets are tempting, stick to more predictable outcomes while learning.

5. Check the line-ups
Rugby teams rotate frequently. Missing key forwards or a star kicker can drastically affect the game.

6. Compare odds across bookmakers
Small differences in odds add up. Use comparison tools to maximize potential value.

7. Don’t chase losses
Stick to a bankroll strategy and accept that losses are part of betting. Always assess your bets logically, not emotionally.

5. Final Thoughts

Rugby Union offers a rich landscape for betting, combining tactical depth with unpredictable drama. As a beginner, focus on the basics, make small, calculated bets, and learn the rhythm of the game. Over time, with the right mindset and strategy, your confidence will grow along with your enjoyment.