Sports and betting have been a common pair for a long time, and betting on rugby adds an extra level of fun and excitement to the mix. Rugby is already an unpredictable, fast-paced team sport, so adding a wager to the action only makes things more intense to watch.
While rugby isn’t as mainstream in the United States as football or basketball, it’s a hugely popular sport internationally and continues to grow thanks to Major League Rugby (MLR), Olympic Rugby Sevens, and the Rugby World Cup. For bettors who enjoy physical sports with constant movement, rugby can be an entertaining one to follow throughout the season.
New to rugby and not sure where to start? You’re in luck. Our team at Planet 7 Casino has put together this handy guide to teach you the basics of the sport and how to get started placing your bets on this fantastic team sport.
Rugby Basics — How to Play
Rugby is an aggressive, full-contact team sport played between two sides on a field with an oval-shaped ball. The goal is simple: score more points than the other team within the 80 minutes of regulation play.
The ball must never be passed forward. Players move it downfield by passing backward, carrying it on foot, or kicking it ahead and chasing. The defending team attempts to stop the attack by tackling the player with the ball and trying to regain possession.
Rugby Scoring Explained
Rugby scoring is fairly straightforward. A try (grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area) earns five points. After a try, the scoring team attempts a conversion kick, which is worth two points if successfully kicked between the uprights. A penalty kick is worth three points when awarded after an infringement and kicked through the posts. A drop goal, taken during open play by drop-kicking the ball through the posts, also earns three points.
Variations of Rugby
Rugby dates back to the 19th century and today exists in two major formats: rugby union and rugby league.
In rugby union, each team fields 15 players. This is the version most commonly played around the world, and it’s what you’ll see in international competitions like the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations, and Major League Rugby in the United States.
Rugby league uses 13 players per side and emphasizes a faster, more structured possession game. It’s especially popular in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and northern England. While rugby league has its own dedicated following, union is more widely represented in US sportsbook menus.
Types of Rugby Bets
Rugby betting usually falls into two buckets: short-term bets on individual matches and long-term bets on tournaments or series.
Match Betting
Match Result
This is the most straightforward option—you pick which team you think will win, or (in some competitions) whether the match will end in a draw. Because draws are rare in rugby union, draw lines may be less prominent.
Handicap Betting
Handicaps function much like point spreads in American sports. A team listed at -9 means it must win by 10 points or more for that bet to succeed. Handicaps help balance the action when one team is clearly favored.
Winning Margin
Instead of just picking a winner, you can wager on how much a team will win by. Because the prediction needs to be precise, winning margin wagers often have higher payouts.
Totals (Over/Under)
Total betting lets you wager on whether the combined points scored by both teams will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook. Weather, playing style, and field conditions can all influence totals.
First Scoring Play
This type of bet focuses on how the first points will be scored, whether by try, penalty, or drop goal.
First Try Scorer
This wager lets you pick the player who will score the first try in a match. Variations include first try scorer for each team or first try scorer in each half.
Tournament and Series Betting
Long-term rugby wagers cover competitions such as the Six Nations, Rugby World Cup, Olympic Rugby Sevens, or international test series.
Tournament or Series Winner: This wager means picking which team will win the entire tournament or series. Because favorites are often strong, outright wins generally offer lower payouts, while backing underdogs can offer bigger returns.
Margin of Victory in a Series: In multi-match international series, you can wager on outcomes like Team A winning 2–1 in a three-match series.
Top Points Scorer: Here, you’re betting on the player who will score the most total points across a tournament or series, including kicks and tries.
Top Try Scorer: This focuses exclusively on tries. Certain positions have a higher likelihood of scoring, so examining player roles can help inform these wagers.
Rugby betting availability varies by state and sportsbook, so check which markets are offered where you live and wager within your local rules.
Strategies for Successful Rugby Betting
Know the Teams and Playing Styles
Different teams have different approaches. Some are aggressive attackers who score lots of tries, while others focus on defense and tactical kicking. Knowing how a team typically plays can help inform your bets on totals, handicaps, and props.
Study Player Roles and Positions
Certain player positions naturally see more scoring opportunities. If you’re placing a wager on try scorers, make sure the player you’re backing has a realistic path to crossing the line.
Consider Weather and Field Conditions
Weather matters in rugby. Rain or slick fields often lead to more handling errors and less expansive play, which can influence totals and margins.
Monitor Injuries and Lineups
Keeping up with team news, such as injuries to key kickers or playmakers, can help you avoid surprises on game day.
Look at Recent Form and Context
A team’s recent performance, travel demands, and strategic context (e.g., must-win matches) all influence how they approach a game. That insight can be especially useful for futures and tournament betting.
Time to Place Your Bets!
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the basics of rugby and the different types of wagers you can explore, you’re ready to follow one of the sport’s most exciting disciplines throughout the season. Check match schedules, review team trends, and enjoy the athleticism and intensity rugby brings—and hopefully pick up some winning, real money wagers along the way.
As always, check availability with your local sportsbook, make use of bonuses and promotions, and most importantly, bet responsibly.
Good luck!
