Rugby Union Betting Tips

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Bet on Rugby Union in South Africa

It is important for rugby punters to have an in-depth understanding of not only the sport itself, but also the mechanics of markets and odds related to betting on rugby in South Africa. Our writers offer you expert advice and information intended to help improve your knowledge of both.

Rugby Union Betting Odds

There can be substantial variation in the rugby odds and markets on offer between different bookmakers in South Africa. We at Bets.co.za have developed comparison tools which enable you to weigh the many deals on offer up against each other and find the ones which suit you best. Our goal is to help you maximise your winnings.

Rugby Union Fixtures

Bettors are strongly advised to stay up to date with the latest information regarding scheduled rugby fixtures both in South Africa and elsewhere on the globe. South African teams participate in numerous tournaments around the world which includes international and provincial fixtures.

Rugby Union International Tournaments

Rugby Union has a number of international tournaments than are of interest to the South African rugby public. These include but are not limited to:

Rugby Union Provincial Tournaments

Provincial rugby has grown significantly around the globe over the last 30 years. There are a number of tournaments that interest the South African public, either because there are South African teams involved or because many South African players participate in these tournaments. These include:


Rugby Union Results

Rugby bettors should always keep up to date with the latest results. While most supporters simply skim over them, seasoned punters look for trends. For example, some teams perform significantly better at home than away. This sort of information can drastically affect the odds on offer. We at Bets.co.za take such factors into account before publishing our betting tips.

Rugby Union Live Streaming

Streaming rugby online helps you not only with betting research for future games, but also for in-play betting for ongoing rugby matches.

Rugby Union Replays

YouTube boasts plenty of rugby highlights and it is best to take advantage if ever you miss the live action. Rugby bettors are encouraged to religiously watch highlights of teams of interest in action when unable to catch their live games.

Rugby Union News

It is important for rugby punters in South Africa to keep up with the latest news surrounding the rugby, using independent and reliable sources.

Rugby Union History


Rugby has been played, in some form, across the globe for centuries. It is assumed that the actual game of rugby was created in 1823 when William Webb Ellis picked up the ball during a game of football (soccer), ran with it and kicked it over the goal posts in a complete disregard for the rules.

During those days William Webb Ellis went to school at Rugby school in a town called Rugby in England. Today the Rugby Union World Cup trophy is named the William Webb Ellis in appreciation to the person who is assumed to have created the game we love today.

While the laws of rugby have changed drastically over the years, mainly to account for the safety of players, the game itself is still largely the same.

In terms of professionalism rugby union was a late boomer as it only officially became a professional sport in 1995. This coincided with South Africa's first Rugby World Cup title when they beat New Zealand 15-12 in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.

South Africa had only recently (1992) come out of sporting isolation due to the apartheid system. Prior to going into isolation in 1970 South Africa assumed to be one of the top rugby nations and they proved this through the isolation years as they faced numerous rebel tours to and from New Zealand, as well as other nations.

The first Rugby Union World Cup was held in 1987 in New Zealand where the hosts ran out victorious. Since then it has been held every year with South Africa and New Zealand both claiming the title on three occasions. Only one Northern Hemishphere side has won the global showpiece event - England in 2003.

Other than the World Cup, other major international competitions include the Rugby Championship and the Six Nations. The Rugby Championship is played annually between South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. The Six Nations is also played annually between England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy.

Provincially the game took off after the sport became professional. There are a number of major tournaments played between franchises and clubs across the Northern and Southern Hemisphere which are very popular within the South African rugby community.

Rugby Union FAQ

What is Rugby Union?

Rugby Union is a ball sport played between two opposing sides consisting of 15 players each. Each team is allowed eight substitutions during the match. In Rugby Union players use their hands and feet as kicking and passing is allowed. The idea is to get over the opposition try-line to score a try (5 points) although there are various other methods of scoring points by drop goal or penalty (both 3 points).

What are the major international Rugby Union tournaments?

There are a number of international tournaments including the Rugby Union World Cup which takes place every four years. Others that take place every year is the Six Nations (Northern Hemisphere and the Rugby Championships (Southern Hemisphere).

What are the major provincial Rugby Union tournaments?

There are plenty of major provincial tournaments around the world. Super Rugby, Currie Cup, Top 14, English Rugby Premiership, Champions Cup and the Pro 14 are just to mention a few.

How to bet on Rugby Union?

You can bet on Rugby Union with any reputable online bookmaker.

What are the most common betting markets in Rugby Union?

Your betting markets on Rugby Union are vast. The most popular ones include outright winner, anytime try scorer, over/under total points in match and tournament top points and try-scorers.