A rugby ball placed on a telescopic Kicking Tee by a player

Best Rugby Betting Sites

By Daniel Bennett & others on Fact checked by Adam Dickinson
Fancy your chances of beating the bookie betting on rugby? We’ve set up a scrum of the top rugby betting sites for you. All you have to do is compare, register and bet. Ready to try your luck?
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1. Bzeebet
78%
Bet £10 Get £10

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"A sleek design and array of sports, including horse racing, make this brand new UK bookmaker the place to be"
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New Customer Offer 18+. New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free Bet. Qualifying bets at Odds of 1/1(2.00) or greater. Paid as Bonus Token with Min 4/5(180) Odds Req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. BeGambleAware.org. T&Cs Apply 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
2. Mr Play
73%
Bet £10 Get £15

Reviewed & verified by our team

"Take advantage of Mr Play's excellent welcome bonus and get to grips with the wide array of sports markets today"
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New Customer Offer Bet £10, get £15. £10 minimum deposit. Max £10 free bet is only valid for 14 days. Bet must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
3. Luckster Sport
78%
Bet £10 Get £10

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"Try this brand new sportsbook which has a particularly strong section on football & e-sports"
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41
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New Customer Offer New customers only. Max one free £10 bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds required. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. T&Cs apply. 18+ 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
4. BetMGM
Bet £10 Get £60

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"Get a free bet on horse racing, football, bet builders and accumulators when you bet £10 "
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New Customer Offer New cust only. Opt in & place a qualifying bet within 7 days to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. T&Cs & exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs Apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
5. Parimatch
92%
Bet £10 Get £40

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"You can withdraw your funds from Parimatch within 30 minutes using the Visa FastFunds service available at selected banks."
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Yes
Yes
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New Customer Offer New Customers Only. Opt in and bet £10 on football (odds 2.00+) within 7 days. No cash-out. Get 3x£10 Free Bets for set markets and a £10 Slot Bonus for Big Bass Splash, 30x wagering, to withdraw max £250. Rewards expire in 10 days. Offer valid from 14:00 UK time on 11/01/2024. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
6. Grosvenor
82%
Double the odds

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

Liam Hoey Headshot
"Know Your Customer check easy to complete - simply scanned in my documents and the confirmation was received instantly"
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38
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New Customer Offer NEW CUSTOMERS. MAX £10(EXC PAYPAL). 100% ODDS BOOST TOKEN. T&CS APPLY. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
7. 32Red
80%
100% Profit Boost

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

Liam Hoey Headshot
"The Know Your Customer check is easy to complete and free bet welcome bonuses are easy to claim right after you sign up."
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33
Yes
Yes
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New Customer Offer Opt in. Min. Odds Evs, Max. £10 stake, Max. additional profit £100. Skrill and Neteller deposits are not eligible 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
8. Unibet
85%
Money Back As a Bonus Up To £40 + £10 Casino Bonus

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

Liam Hoey Headshot
"The easy to access odds boost option on racing bets makes this a solid option for those wagering on the horse."
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New Customer Offer Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first sports 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. Visit Unibet.co.uk for full T&C's. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
9. HeySpin
79%
Bet £15 Get £10

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"Enjoy this new sportsbook with its slick platform and huge range of sports betting markets"
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New Customer Offer New Players only. Max. Free Bet Token amount: £10.Minimum Deposit: £15. Minimum wagering on Sport to activate the Free Bet Token: £15 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
10. Bet Victor
89%
Bet £5 Get £30

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

Liam Hoey Headshot
"Liked the choice of four different welcome offers when you first sign up and my withdrawal was processed quicker than expected."
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30
Yes
Yes
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New Customer Offer 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £5 at odds 1/1+ within 7 days of registering, no cashout. Get 2x £10 Free Bets, set events at odds 1/1+. Plus a £10 Slot Bonus, selected games, wager 20x to withdraw max £250. 7 day bonus expiry. Debit Card/Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
11. Betway Sports
90%
Up to £30 in Matched Bets

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"Betway has always been one of the leading sportsbooks in the UK, and has a great offer for for football and horse racing "
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32
Yes
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New Customers Offer *Eligible UK & ROI customers. Opt in required. Single Line Multiples including 3+ selections. Min. overall odds: 2/1. £25+ of real money bets must be settled between Saturday 00:00 GMT and the following Friday 23:59 GMT. Read our Offer Terms. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
12. Bwin
82%
Sign up to get your £20 Backup Bet

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"Use Bwin's multi-generator to create interesting accumulators from around the globe at a fast pace"
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New Customer Offer 18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
13. BetGoodwin
75%
Free Bet Up To £100

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"A premium horse racing operator with brilliant free bet offerings if your pick just falls short"
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Up to 10% Cashback

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"This brilliant casino now has a brilliant sportsbook, offering 10% cashback on all lost deposits"
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15. Vegas Mobile Sports
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Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"As you would expect, Vegas Mobile Sports has an excellent mobile platform and great welcome offers for sports"
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New Customer Offer New players only. Min £ 10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £ 20, 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. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
+ Load 5 more online bookies
🏆 Best Overall Score:
92%
🎁 Largest Free Bet:
£40
💷 Minimum Deposit:
£5

Latest Rugby Union & League Betting Odds

Review of the Best Rugby Betting Sites

  • One of the best rugby betting sites, Betfair offers a wide range of markets and a detailed site packed full of information. You can search up specific rugby betting odds, matches, and an odds boost for the day, including specific bets such as how many tackles will be made or who will score first. All the main rugby tournaments are visible on the site, so whether you want to bet on New Zealand to win the World Cup or Provence to beat Rouen in France, you’ll find it on Betfair. 

    pros icon Pros:
    • Clear site design
    • Native app available to bettors
    • Competitive rugby betting odds
    cons icon Cons:
    • The site has a lot of tabs so it may be a bit confusing to begin with
  • Bet Storm is a relative newcomer to rugby betting, having launched in 2021. Nevertheless, it’s started with a bang, offering a comprehensive range of betting markets, a promo list that should satisfy most requests, and an equally broad range of payment options for both deposits and withdrawals, such as PayPal, Payz, Apple Pay, and MuchBetter.

    pros icon Pros:
    • Live betting and cashout options available
    • Great FAQ list on the site, plus live chat facility
    • There is a useful live calendar on the site detailing all the upcoming sporting events
    cons icon Cons:
    • No streaming service
  • At first glance, rugby betting markets aren’t easily seen on the homepage of Unibet. However, click on the sport tab and a whole host of markets appear down the left side. There’s both league and union betting options, and rugby fans will be pleased to see that predictors for the World Cup are already available. The site is nice and simple to navigate with information easy to find. For example, click on in-play and you’re faced with all the current live betting options — no searching needed. There’s a decent selection of payment methods supported too, including PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Visa, Paysafecard, and Trustly. 

    pros icon Pros:
    • The site is easy to use with all sports betting options clearly laid out
    • There’s 24/7 customer service available in the form of live chat, freephone, and email
    • Impressive odds selection on a huge range of sports and sporting events
    cons icon Cons:
    • Streaming is available but not for rugby
  • Offering both rugby league and union, Boylesports is an Irish site that’s packed full of sports betting opportunities. The site itself is plainly laid out, with different sports down the left-hand side and a range of other helpful tools along the top. There’s even a handy bet calculator for horse racing wagers, whether you’re placing a single, acca, or trixie. Boylesports also makes payments easy with a decent selection of banking options available. The likes of Visa, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and Boku are all present, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay for mobile users.

    pros icon Pros:
    • Clearly designed site that’s easy to navigate
    • Great selection of sports, and betting markets
    • Cashout is available and easy to facilitate
    cons icon Cons:
    • There’s no live streaming service
  • Known very much for its casino offering, 32Red also provides some great sports betting options on its site. Although it focuses heavily on football, there’s still a decent selection of rugby betting odds to choose from — both for league and union. Click on the rugby tab and you’re faced with another wide selection of rugby betting opportunities, split by country as well as tournament. We’re excited to see Rugby World Cup predictions are there, alongside the Sevens Series and domestic league matches. 

    pros icon Pros:
    • The 32Red app is clearly laid out with parity to the desktop site
    • Great customer support which is available via social media, email, and live chat
    • Many payment options available for both deposits and withdrawals
    cons icon Cons:
    • Live streaming is available but sadly not for rugby
  • HeySpin started life as an online casino operator before moving into the sports betting arena. The bookmaker is known for an encyclopaedic library of global sporting markets, with extensive rugby league and rugby union betting coverage. Users have hundreds of potential wagers on the first and second English, French, Australian, and Italian leagues, alongside various other international rugby betting opportunities. Finding the betting markets for each rugby event is straightforward, with easy access to the bet slip and bet builder functions, allowing for seamless wagering.

    pros icon Pros:
    • Comprehensive rugby betting coverage
    • Bet £15 and get £10 first deposit offer
    • Practical and intuitive bet builder
    cons icon Cons:
    • No mobile app
  • Slots n Sports is one of the top rugby betting sites for several reasons. I found great rugby union and rugby league coverage alongside an impressive variety of other sports, from roman-greco wrestling to badminton. Slots n Sports runs regular sports promotions for specific competitions. As a result, we predict the integrated casino and bookmaker will do the same for the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup. Whether you’re looking forward to placing stakes on Antoine Dupont’s tackling or Finn Russel’s assists, it looks like the perfect place to usher in the tournament. 

    pros icon Pros:
    • Several ongoing bonuses for existing bettors
    • Comprehensive rugby betting markets on everything from the Super League to Japan’s League One
    • Extensive payment methods
    cons icon Cons:
    • Website can be quite slow
  • One of the family of Progress Play-powered bookmakers, Tebwin features a very similar aesthetic to its sister platforms HeySpin and Slots n Spin. It has comparably extensive sporting market coverage, making it one of the best rugby betting sites. At the time of writing, there are just under 100 wagering choices on rugby union and rugby league, but punters can enjoy far more when major competitions like the Six Nations or Rugby World Cup kick in. Tebwin also has various cashback opportunities on specific sports and a customisable loyalty program allowing users to choose the rewards that suit them. 

    pros icon Pros:
    • Neat and speedy interface
    • Lots of regular betting offers
    • Loads of useful payment methods
    cons icon Cons:
    • Rugby betting odds could be better
  • QuinnBet has become a household name in Scotland after sponsoring Dundee United and Hibernian FC, but this isn’t the only place it’s making a splash. Punters across the UK can enjoy abundant options at one of the best rugby betting sites available. I was pleased to see a great selection of bonuses available, including an industry-leading 25% back on weekly losses program. Quinnbet also has some of the best odds available across the rugby betting world – Australia is currently 10/1 to win the World Cup whereas a few other sites hold them at 9/1.

    pros icon Pros:
    • Favourable odds on big rugby tournaments
    • 25% back on weekly losses, among other betting offers
    • Top-rated mobile app
    cons icon Cons:
    • No live streaming
Rugby World Cup

2023 Rugby World Cup Betting

The 2023 Rugby World Cup runs from September 8th to October 28th, featuring 20 nations from Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and South America. The 2019 reigning champions South Africa are among the 2023 Rugby World Cup betting favourites, although they face stiff competition from France, Ireland, and New Zealand. 

France hosts the competition across nine venues: 

  • Stade de France (Paris) 
  • Stade Velodrome (Marseille) 
  • Décines-Charpieu (Lyon) 
  • Villeneuve d’Ascq (Lille) 
  • Stade de Bordeaux (Bordeaux) 
  • Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne) 
  • Stade de Nice (Nice) 
  • Stade de la Beaujoire (Nantes) 
  • Stadium de Toulouse (Toulouse)  

The French will be especially keen to taste success on home soil, especially after missing out to Ireland in the 2023 Six Nations. The seemingly unstoppable Antoine Dupont will be a deciding factor — he’s arguably the world’s best player who consistently orchestrates matches with precision, flair, and sheer power. He will also know the nine tournament venues very well from playing in the Top 14.

2023 Rugby World Cup betting covers nineteen other nations, with notable debutants Chile looking to shake up the status quo. Check below for the full list of countries to keep an eye on: 

  • France 
  • Argentina 
  • Australia 
  • Chile 
  • England 
  • Fiji 
  • France 
  • Georgia 
  • Ireland 
  • Italy 
  • Japan 
  • Namibia 
  • New Zealand 
  • Portugal 
  • Romania 
  • Samoa 
  • Scotland 
  • South Africa 
  • Tonga 
  • Uruguay 
  • Wales 

It will be the longest Rugby World Cup in the tournament’s history after an extra week was added to the schedule to ensure all teams have at least five rest days between matches. 2023 Rugby World Cup betting is also made all the more exciting considering it takes place on the two hundredth anniversary of the sport’s founding by William Webb Ellis.

The highly-anticipated opening match on September 8th between two major favourites, France and New Zealand, is one of the main 2023 Rugby World Cup betting events during the group stages. Other key dates include the semi-finals on October 20-21st and the final on October 28th. 

2023 Rugby World Cup Betting Markets

Punters can enjoy numerous 2023 Rugby World Cup betting markets, covering everything from outright competition winner or top try scorer predictions to specific match bets and live in-game wagers. The leading bookies listed on our site offer betting markets such as: 

  • Outright tournament winner 
  • Tournament top try scorer 
  • Pool winner 
  • Pool finishing position 
  • Match winner 
  • Specific match events (number of scrums, try scorers, who scores first etc.) 
Six Nations

2023 Six Nations Betting

In this year’s Six Nations Championship, Ireland made up for last season’s heartbreak against France, winning their fourth Grand Slam in imperious fashion. Led by their talisman Johnny Sexton, the Irish swept aside England, Scotland, France, and Wales on their way to one of their most dominant competition wins. 

Ireland were Six Nations betting favourites before the competition despite France’s Grand Slam win in 2022, demonstrating the pedigree of this generational Irish team coached by Andy Farrell. They secured the Triple Crown and Six Nations Championship after beating England in the last game on March 18th, with Sexton also becoming the competition’s all-time top point scorer. 

Six Nations betting will take a backseat until after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, although the competition will provide valuable insight into how each team will fare in 2024. Ireland and France will no doubt remain Six Nations betting odds favourites, although Scotland will be looking to build on an impressive showing this year. Elsewhere, England’s Steve Borthwick will hope to establish a clearer DNA and bring the best out of players like Marcus Smith, who could easily make the difference. 

Mark February 2nd in your calendar as the 2024 Six Nations Championship kicks off with a high-profile tussle between Ireland and France. The competition ends on March 16th, with Wales vs Italy, Ireland vs Scotland, and England vs France. 

Ranking Criteria

How We Review the Best Rugby Betting Sites

All sportsbooks worth considering will have rugby betting opportunities, so it pays to know how to deduce the best ones. Our strict review procedure incorporates several key considerations to ensure we recommend top-tier platforms and filter out the weaker links. We look at licensing, bonuses, betting coverage, mobile apps, and more to find the best rugby betting site for your preferences. Check below for a breakdown of the most important characteristics: 

Licensed and Regulated 

All the best rugby betting sites will have tip-top licensing from the UK Gambling Commission. This is arguably the most important thing to check before deciding on a bookmaker and is top of our review process checklist. Punters are open to all sorts of dangers without licensing from an internationally-recognised regulator. While these organisations can never completely safeguard your betting experience, they go a long way in making sure operators stick to responsible gambling pledges and generally play within the rules. 

Varied Betting Markets and Competitive Odds 

Aside from the safety and licensing aspects, ensuring a sports betting platform has varied betting markets and competitive odds is our top concern. Nobody wants to register with a bookmaker to find that there are hardly any sports or betting possibilities to take advantage of. Our in-depth review process ensures the most recommended sites have comprehensive coverage. Regarding rugby betting sites, we look for betting markets across several global rugby league and rugby union competitions. 

Customer Service 

Customer service isn’t always the most essential factor when searching for the best rugby betting sites. However, if you ever need help with deposits, withdrawals, registration, bonuses, or other aspects, you’ll definitely need useful customer support options. Our passionate reviewers always analyse the customer service network, prioritising sites with 24/7 live chat and detailed FAQ sections. 

Betting Promotions 

Betting offers can supercharge your experience with bonus funds and other chances to increase your bankroll. Many operators grant a bonus on your first deposit or first bet, allowing you to scope out the rugby betting options and wager with slightly less stress. Our review process also emphasises things like wagering requirements or valid time periods that can hamper your enjoyment if you’re not careful. 

Site Design

No matter how good a rugby betting platform is, the overall site design must be of the highest calibre for us to recommend it. This is more important than some punters realise, as poor interfaces can make placing even the simplest bets a nightmare, let alone more sophisticated accumulators or bet builders. We take our time to examine the construction of each bookmaker’s website and mobile app to find the most advantageous layouts. 

Mobile Capabilities

Mobile betting is far more popular than placing stakes off desktop computers nowadays, so the best rugby sites must have fully optimised mobile capabilities. A dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android is the preferred option, although many bookmakers make do with HTML5 websites. Mobile apps have several benefits over websites, with users able to save favourites and take advantage of push notifications.

Getting Started

How to Find the Best Rugby Betting Site

Rugby is one of the world’s toughest contact sports, but it’s not all about brute strength and ruthless aggression. The free-flowing, high-scoring nature of rugby makes it great for betting, and with so many markets to choose from, punters are spoiled for choice. So, if you don’t know your ruck from your maul, or your scrum from your line-out, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Let us introduce you to the basics of rugby betting and the best bookies to use for your rugby bets.

Global Coverage

Rugby Around the World

Rugby is a hugely popular game in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres — meaning there’s plenty of action for bettors all year round. Domestic leagues include England’s Gallagher Premiership and the National Rugby Championship in Australia. On top of that, there are numerous club tournaments like the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, plus internationals including the Six Nations and Super Rugby from down under. 

When choosing between the best rugby betting sites, you’ll want to assess the depth of global coverage to ensure that it caters to your interests. As you’ll discover, some sites go the extra mile, while others prefer to keep things more local and in tune with their customer base. Here’s a quick list of the main club and international leagues and tournaments you’ll find at the best betting sites.

Six Nations

Held annually in February and March, the Six Nations is a hotly anticipated men’s rugby union tournament between England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy. In 2022, France were the victors of the tournament, beating England 25–13 at the Stade de France.

Women’s Six Nations

Similarly to the men’s Six Nations, the women’s teams compete annually, with the tournament starting a couple of weeks after the men conclude in March. In a reverse of the men’s 2022 result, England’s Red Roses defeated France 24–12 in Bayonne to lift the 2022 trophy. 

World Cup and Women’s World Cup

Held every four years, the rugby union World Cup and the Women’s World Cup is held in a different venue for each occasion. The 2023 World Cup is to be held in France with the champions South Africa vying to retain the title they won against England in 2019. The England women also reached the last final, losing to New Zealand in November 2022.

Gallagher Premiership

The Gallagher Premiership is a top-flight league of rugby union teams that runs from September to June. The conclusion of the season sees the top four teams competing for the title — first and third place and second and fourth compete in the semifinals, before the final takes place at Twickenham. In the 2021–22 season, Leicester Tigers beat Saracens 15–12 thanks to a last-minute drop goal by Freddie Burns. 

United Rugby Championships

This annual rugby union tournament includes a range of teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa. It’s held from September with round 18 concluding the competition in April. The final in 2022 saw two South African teams reach the final, with the Stormers beating Bulls 18–13 for the title. 

European Rugby Champions Cup

Known as the Heineken Champions Cup, this tournament sees the best of European rugby union teams competing for eight weeks from December. The 2022 final was between Leinster and Stade Rochelais with Rochelais coming out the victors 24–21.

National Provincial Championship

Known commonly as NPC, this tournament is held in New Zealand with 14 teams playing in a round robin format. Canterbury holds the most titles with nine, with 2022 seeing the team lose 26–18 to Wellington in the final. 

Currie Cup

The Currie Cup is a rugby union competition held in South Africa between June and October each year. It includes teams representing each province — the competition has historically been dominated by the western provinces, but the distribution has been more evenly spread in recent years. The cup itself is named after Sir Donald Currie, the owner of a shipping company in the UK. Currie donated a golden cup for a British rugby tour to South Africa in the 1890s and thus the name was born.

Allianz Premier 15s

This newer league debuted in 2017 and is made up of the premier women’s rugby union teams in England. Saracens are the holders of the 2021–22 title, with the tournament also contested by teams such as Harlequins Womens, Bristol Bears, and Sale Sharks.

Market Depth

Betting Markets

Punters are served up a glut of markets to feast on at the top betting sites. When armed with a good knowledge of the game, this is where the smart bettors can sniff out the best value bets on offer. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main markets open for betting.

Match Winner

It’s the classic bet and by far the most popular betting market due to its straightforward nature. Do you think Team A or Team B will win? Or will the match be a draw? With the high scoring nature of the sport and the multiple methods to tally up points, draws aren’t common, so you can expect to find a good price if you fancy the match to end as a tie.

Winning Margin

This market will offer a series of betting options, each with different odds for you to mull over. You’ll usually be able to back either team to win by 1 – 7 points, 8 – 13 points or by over 14 points. You’re essentially betting on two outcomes here; the match result and the margin of victory, so of course, landing a winner is much harder, but you’ll find some great value for your betslip.

Half Time/Full Time

If the odds on the match result aren’t great, you can bank on this market to boost your odds. To land a winner, you’ll have to correctly predict the half time result, as well as the full time result, which is easier said than done. Naturally, there are several combinations you can choose from. It’s a good betting market if you’re aware of a team that has a habit of coming out firing but fading later in the game, for example.

Handicap

If one side is the clear favourite, bookies use handicap markets to level the playing field for punters, making the match a more attractive option for betting. The stronger team will have a negative handicap, and the opposite side a positive handicap. For instance, if the line for Team A is -4.5, it means that they must win by 5 points or more for you to win the bet. However, if the underdog line is +4.5, you’ll win as long as they don’t lose by five or more points.

Over/Under Total Points

If you’ve ever bet on sports online, you’ve probably heard of some sort of over/under market. You place a bet on whether you think the total number of the points in a game will be more or less than the number set by the bookmaker.

Outright Betting

Whilst most betting action takes place in the present, the top rugby betting sites also provide a stellar array of futures markets, commonly known as ‘outrights’. These will be on the winner of a certain domestic league or cup, the next Six Nations or even the 2019 World Cup. Outright betting is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, you can get better odds on most teams the early you bet on something. However, the flip side is that it’s harder to make a prediction on a market that is settled months in the future. Variables such as Injuries to key players and changes to coaching staff are impossible to foresee and almost always have a huge impact on the outcome of a season.

First Team to Score

As it sounds, this bet is placed on the team you think will score first. It’s a great differentiation from betting on who will win as it isn’t necessarily driven by the bookies’ favourite. One of our top tips — wait until the starters have been announced, as this can help you predict whether the teams are going for an attacking or defensive strategy.

Accumulators (Accas)

Accumulators are one of the most exciting and popular forms of modern-day betting, and it’s easy to see why. They allow you to combine several different bets into one wager. As such, all the odds in your selection are multiplied together, meaning that your potential winnings could be huge. But as with all bets with the potential for greater reward, there’s also greater risk — in order to win, all of your selections must win. 

The very best bookies, however, offer something called Acca Insurance, which will give you back your stake as a free bet should just one of your selections let you down.

Live Betting

In-Play Betting Options 

One of the great things about online betting nowadays is that you can place bets while an event is happening. These markets are also referred to as live betting and the very best bookies will give you access to a whole range of different markets. Whether you forgot to place a bet before the game or just didn’t fancy the odds to begin with, in-play betting means that the fun can happen anytime. Odds are likely to change as the game progresses, giving you a chance to gauge the momentum of the game and make a more informed decision. 

In-play betting also gives you the chance to get better value from a bet. Say you wanted to back South Africa to beat Japan, but the Springboks go behind early on. They will still be odds on favourites to win, but you will get a better price for your bet than you would’ve done before the match.

Best Live Betting Site
Bet365
Bet365
Our score: 92%
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets
New Customer Offer New customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
Live Streaming 

Watch the Rugby Live

The very best betting sites will allow you to live stream events on their website, which complements their variety of in-play options. Most sportsbooks will require your account o be funded or for you to have placed a bet within the last 24 hours, but it means you’ll be able to watch the very best sporting events in the world without having a TV subscription fee. Live streaming can also really enhance your gaming experience, giving you the option to make more informed decisions when making in-play bets or cashing out your winnings.

Cashing Out

Withdraw Your Winnings Early

If you’ve ever placed a bet before, you probably know what cashing out is. By using a bookie that supports the feature, you will be able to collect any potential winnings you may have from a bet before the game has finished. It means that if you can see the momentum-changing in a match, then you can claim your winnings before the team you’ve backed begins to lose. Similarly, if things aren’t going very well, then you can cash out to cut your losses, rather than losing all your stake in one.

Specials and Promotions

Rewards for Existing Customers

It’s not easy for an online betting site, especially new betting sites, to get noticed in such a crowded space. The markets on offer are generally quite similar, and with most bookies offering competitive pricing, you’ll rarely find significant differences in the odds on offer. 

Therefore, one of the ways the bookmaker will aim to keep your attention is by rolling out a series of promotions and specials. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular promotions for existing customers that you can find at the best rugby betting sites.

Odds boosts promotions are reserved for returning customers at the best rugby betting sites. The boosted odds remain so for only a limited amount of time, so it’s important to place your bet on rugby within this timeframe. Typically the promo will be available for specific markets, or a particular wager such as a point spread for a specific match. You can also find bookies, such as Betfred, that pay out double the odds if you place a pre-match bet on the first try scorer market and the same player goes on to score a second try. 

Another punter-friendly rugby betting promotion is the free bet club. These are usually held on a weekly basis, and allow you to claim free bets to use on specific markets and matches, if you wager a certain amount each week. For example, you may need to wager £25 a week to receive a £5 free bet to be used on rugby betting.

Unibet offers two good examples of free bet clubs. First up is its regular free bets club that requires you to wager £200 to receive a free £15 bet. In addition, Unibet offers an in-play free bets club where you can score a £10 free in-play bet, should you make five or more £10 in-play bets within the week. 

As with all promotions, there will be terms and conditions attached — be sure to read through these before you claim. 

Bonuses

Give Your Bankroll a Boost

In general terms, promotions are driven towards existing customers, and the bonuses are aimed at attracting new punters to the site. Both are important when looking for a top rugby betting site. Many sign up bonuses can be used across a range of sports, so you’ll be able to use them to bet on your favourite rugby markets. Although bookmakers bonuses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, we’ve highlighted the main two types you’ll find.

Matched Deposits

The matched deposit is a very simple bonus. The bookmaker will match your deposit up to a certain value. For instance, 100% up to £50. There will be a minimum amount you have to deposit to activate this offer, usually, it is £10 (but it could be £20 with some sites). Therefore, if you deposit £10, it’s matched so you have £20 to bet with. You can deposit more, but the bonus amount is capped, so a £100 deposit still only gets you a maximum £50 bonus. Although the face of the bonus may appear the same between two betting sites, as a punter you need to review the terms and conditions to measure the true worth of the offer. How many times do you have to wager the bonus cash? What odds can you bet at? How long do you have to clear the wagering? Those are the three main questions you want to be answered. When you have that information, you’ll see which offer is the best value.

Best Matched Deposit Bonus
Luckster Sport
Luckster Sport
Our score: 78%
Bet £10 Get £10
New Customer Offer New customers only. Max one free £10 bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds required. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. T&Cs apply. 18+ 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org

Free Bets

The second bonus type is free bets. These are often floated around both for new and existing players, so that’s something to take notice of. When related to a deposit offer, the bookmaker will state, for example, deposit £20 and get £20 in free bets. As above, there will be strings attached, so it’s your duty to check the small print of the bonus to see what they are. Things to look out for are minimum/maximum betting odds allowed, excluded bet types, and expiry dates. A quick tip, you cannot use cash out with free bets. If you do, the bet will be invalid and you’ll lose any potential winnings.

Best Free Bet Bonus
Coral
Coral
Our score: 91%
Bet £5, get £20 in free bets
New Customer Offer Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cash-out, restrictions & T&Cs apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
Mobile

Betting on the Go

Will you be a mobile bettor? If so, you want the best rugby mobile betting platform. Many of the top sites provide native apps for iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Other sites keep things totally web-based. As a punter, the choice is yours as to which method you’d prefer to bet on. What we can assure you is that the modern-day mobile sportsbooks are action-packed. No corners have been cut. You get the same range of pre-match and live betting markets, streaming if available, bonuses, promotional offers and other betting tools such as cash out and stats centres.

Pros and Cons of Downloading a Rugby App

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Pros

  • Rugby betting apps are much easier to access regularly
  • Punters can enjoy regular app-specific bonuses
  • Your login can be saved for a seamless user experience
  • Mobile deposits using digital payment solutions like PayPal are straightforward
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Cons

  • The easiness of rugby betting on mobile apps can be the catalyst to a gambling addiction
Best Mobile Betting Site
Bet365
Bet365
Our score: 92%
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets
New Customer Offer New customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
Tips

Rugby Betting Tips

At Compare.bet, there is one essential rugby betting tip that we will share. It’s ‘research’. Most of the top rugby betting sites on our list are connected to Betradar or Sportradar. These are two of the leading sports data analytics companies in the world. Everything you want to know about upcoming rugby matches will be provided for you. You can find a team’s current form, H2H record, fixtures, player stats, average points per games (for and against) when they score the most points and much more. The more informed you are before betting the better your chances of success. We cannot guarantee you’ll win every time, but we do know professional sports bettors don’t merely rely on luck, so knowledge is the secret ingredient.

Banking

Payment Options

There are a wealth of different banking options available to the modern online bettor, with each option catering a different set of requirements. Let’s take a look at what you are likely to come across. 

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Debit cards

Debit cards are almost universally accepted by the best betting sites and they are arguably the most familiar to punters. With your activity protected by your bank’s individual security systems, each transaction should be processed within 5 working days. 

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PayPal

PayPal is the world’s most popular e-wallet service, granting rugby betting enthusiasts a speedy, safe, and convenient method to make deposits and withdrawals. There are no fees attached to the payment provider, and most UK betting sites now support it.

Skrill Logo
Skrill

Another highly-regarded modern e-wallet, Skrill has spread from humble beginnings to be a viable option at many rugby betting sites. Like PayPal, it grants near-instantaneous transaction speeds and a secure service with no need to disclose personal financial data.

Neteller Logo
NETELLER

NETELLER belongs to the same Paysafe Group as Skrill, running a similar e-wallet service. Users can access instant deposits and fast withdrawals (depending on the processing speed of your chosen bookmaker). Additional security is also provided by two-step authentication and comprehensive fraud cover.

Payz

Somewhere between an e-wallet and a conventional banking system, Payz facilitates direct transfers between your bank account and your chosen bookmaker. It’s available at many of the best rugby betting sites, offering a gambling-orientated service with rapid transaction speeds and top-tier security. The only thing to watch out for are the small fees involved.

Trustly Logo
Trustly

Operating on Open Banking technology, Trustly is a quick and secure transaction method for deposits and withdrawals at the best rugby betting sites. Despite your money following the same path as with direct debit, Trustly doesn’t require you to submit any personal banking information to the rugby betting site, so it’s perfect for the security conscious. In addition, it has higher deposit limits than many other digital payment solutions so is ideal for those with bigger budgets. Trustly is compatible with over 6,000 European and North American banks, so it’s supported at many of the best rugby betting sites.

Astropay Logo
AstroPay

AstroPay offers its customers virtual prepaid cards as well as the AstroPay One Touch digital wallet and a prepaid debit card that works much like a traditional debit card, only it’s saved to your phone. Registering for an AstroPay account is simple. Once you’ve done this, you can top up your account with many popular payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and Trustly. AstroPay offers fast and secure transactions and it’s hugely convenient to keep your account organised through the handy AstroPay mobile app.

MuchBetter Logo
MuchBetter

MuchBetter is a mobile-focused e-wallet provider that is secured with the latest technology, dynamic security codes, touch ID, and two-factor authentication. The award-winning service seamlessly integrates with Mastercard, providing a practical way to deposit or withdraw on the move.

Boku Logo
Boku

Boku allows punters to make mobile payments using their phone contracts, with deposits being added to your monthly phone bill. Users only need a valid UK telephone number to get started, reducing the amount of sensitive financial data shared with sports betting sites. Boku is a convenient payment method available at an increasing number of platforms, but you must be careful. As payments are deferred until your next phone bill, making sure you can afford them is fundamental. Additionally, bear in mind that Boku is only available for deposits and is often blocked from bonuses.

Credit cards are now banned from all betting sites as per the Government’s Review of Gaming Machines and Responsibility Measures. The change was announced by the UK Gambling Commission on April 14th 2020.

Safety

Responsible Gambling

Responsible rugby betting is crucial. If you let bad habits go untempered for too long, you could have a serious problem on your hands. As a result, we highly recommend using tactics like budgeting and self-imposed time limits as much as possible. 

Many sensible bettors use separate payment methods from their day-to-day finances to avoid overspending and make budgeting easier. Ensuring you’re consistently open and truthful about your habit will also avoid problems further down the line. If you find you’re lying about your hobby, it’s a clear sign that there’s a problem. 

Our recommended bookies all offer various tools to help you keep your betting in check. For example, you can set manual deposit limits and use self-exclusion features to put an imposed break on your wagering. For more help, check out some of the organisations below: 

Compare & Bet

Ready to Play?

That’s Compare.bet’s basic guide to rugby betting. We hope to have driven you over the opposition’s 22-yard line with this information, so all that’s left is for you to get over the try line. In order to do that, have a browse through the list of top rugby betting sites above. Based on what matters to you, your style of betting and bankroll, choose the site you like the best. Then sign up, claim a bonus and enjoy the thrill of punting online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a handicap?

The favourite in a game of any sport is obviously never guaranteed a win, but as one side is usually stronger than the other, the odds aren’t exactly eye-catching for the favourite, in most cases. So, to level the playing field and make the odds more attractive for punters, bookies have introduced the handicap. The bookies handicap the team they believe is more likely to win, by starting them on minus points to level the playing field.

For example, you may be presented with three options for an upcoming game – team A -4, Team B +4, or draw. If you bet on team A to win on the handicap, they would have to win by 5 points or more to win your bet.

What is draw no bet?

This is a market that eliminates the possibility of a draw, and presents punters with two options – win or lose. If the match ends as a draw, your bet will be void and your stake will be returned.

Can I bet on rugby in-play?

Yes. While there’s definitely some great prices to be found before kick off, betting on Rugby in-play can be lucrative for those who can predict what happens next. Whether you’re betting on the next try scorer or a team to overturn a deficit, you’re sure to find some excellent value in-play.

What's the difference between rugby league and rugby union?

The main difference between rugby league and union is the number of players on the pitch. Rugby union teams consist of 15 players, whereas league lineups are made up of just 13. Tries are worth more in rugby union too, with five points on offer compared to four in a league match.

What's the quickest way I can withdraw my funds?

There are several ways to access your cash quickly. E-wallets are one of the most popular quick withdrawal methods available to punters with it sometimes taking just 24 hours for the cash to be deposited in your PayPal, Neteller or Skrill account. If a sportsbook offers the Visa Fast Funds service, then Visa debit card customers can withdraw their funds in as little as four hours. Withdrawal timings will differ across sportsbooks so we would always recommend reading the T&Cs before you sign up.

Which is the best betting site for rugby?

There are many great sites that offer a range of rugby betting markets — just take a look through our recommendations to find the best rugby betting site for you. Important factors to look out for are whether they include both rugby union and rugby league, and what odds are being offered compared to other sites. Be sure to read through all terms and conditions attached to any bonuses you may be interested in. Some of the sites we recommend include Unibet, Betfair and Bet Storm. 

What is the 40 20 rule in rugby league?

There are many rules to both rugby union and rugby league, and the 40–20 rule is part of rugby league. It states that if a player is standing on or behind the 40-metre line, then they can move up the pitch or ‘gain ground’ by kicking the ball up the field into the other team’s 20-metre area. This is done following a fifth tackle when the attacking team is required to kick up the field. If this is achieved, with the ball first bouncing on the pitch before going out of touch or off the pitch within the 20-metre area, then the attacking team will be given the benefit in the upcoming scrum.

What are the best sites to bet on rugby?

This very much depends on what you prioritise in a site. Our detailed reviews on this page should help you choose the best one for you, however, a few that we particularly like are Unibet, Betfair, and 32Red. 

Are there apps for rugby betting?

Yes. 32Red, Unibet, and Betfair have some of the best rugby betting apps currently available. 

The people behind this page

Compare.bet's online gambling content experts helped write, edit and check this page:

Daniel is Head of Operations at Compare.bet. He has half a decade of experience writing on topics including sports betting, online casino and the NBA. Daniel also covers Premier League football for Compare.bet news and has interviewed Louis Saha, Richard Dunne and Gary Pallister. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys film photography and making Spotify playlists.
Noel is a writer for Compare.bet with over a decade of experience writing on topics including online casino and sports betting.
Alice is an Editor at Compare.bet, having joined the company from Gambling Insider in 2022. She's a dab hand at all things online gambling, from expertise in payment methods to her commitment to responsible gambling promotion. Outside of work, Alice is a huge sports fan who closely follows Arsenal and plays lacrosse in her spare time, to name just a couple of her sporting pursuits.
Robbie joined us in 2022 as a staff writer. He's involved in all content across the site, from detailed guides and reviews to responsible gambling advice, and puts his detailed sports knowledge to good use across our betting pages. Outside work Robbie plays football most weekends, tempers his resilience as a West Ham fan, and keeps up to date with the latest cinema releases.

The following external expert(s) contributed to ensure this page provides maximum value, accuracy and insight:

Adam Dickinson Headshot
Adam has almost a decade of experience working in the gambling industry, including various content and marketing roles at the likes of PlayOJO, Betway and Entain He is currently the Head of Marketing at Arena Entertainment. Adam puts his vast experience to use as a fact checker for Compare.bet.