Rugby Union Review

Introduction to Rugby Union Betting

The objective in Rugby Union is to score tries. A team also gets points for kicking conversions, penalties and drop goals. Matches run over 80 minutes in two halves. Rugby union is suited to betting because of the scoring system and the variety of markets. Matches are shown live on satellite and terrestrial television. There is also extensive coverage in the print and online sports media. Bookmakers offer odds and many leagues and Cup competitions.

Betting Events

The most popular rugby union competition for betting is the Six Nations. This event brings together the international teams of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy. There is also a major domestic competition that involves the best club sides in Europe. The Rugby Championship is the equivalent of the Six Nations in the Southern Hemisphere. There is a huge boost to rugby union betting during the World Cup every four years. Betting is also popular on the autumn internationals in Europe involving the best teams in Europe and South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Betting Types

Bookmakers publish pre-match odds in the days before matches. The odds are subject to fluctuation when there are team selection and injury news. Bookmakers display the three-way match result market with a link to about 50 related markets. Live television coverage generates in-play betting interest. Bookies suspend markets after key events such as a try. Bettors can place ante-post wagers on the outright winner of the major domestic and international competitions.

Rugby Union Markets

The most popular rugby union betting market is the match winner. This is a three-way market with the following options: Home Win, Draw, Away Win. Bookies settle bets on the result after 80 minutes and added time. Extra time does not count, but this is rare. Handicap betting gives a start to the underdog to encourage two-way turnover. Handicaps are mainly expressed in half points to eliminate the tie. Customers can bet on the total number of points in bands or over/under a specific number of points. Bookmakers offer odds on the first try scorer and the methods of scoring.