Your Rugby Betting Guide
Rugby is deeply ingrained in South African culture. The sport has unified the country and some of our most iconic moments in South African sport come from rugby. Think the iconic moment when Madiba lifted the trophy in 1995 at Ellis Park. Or at the 2019 World Cup final when Siya Kolisi held the cup alongside the team.
Grass root initiatives have been established to grow the sport with school rugby being particularly successful. If you’re interested in betting on rugby, a comprehensive Rugby Betting Guide can be very helpful. The Baby Boks winning the U/20 Rugby World Cup a week ago is testament to how South Africa is cultivating upcoming players. Some of these under 20 players have already been asked to join the training camp of the Springboks.
SA Rugby Calender
This year’s rugby action has just started with many international Springbok matches to look forward to. The start of the Currie Cup is around the corner and showcases all the talent that our provincial rugby has to offer. The United Rugby Championship URC has five South African clubs competing against international clubs from across Europe. The kick off of the tournament is only in late September. For more successful betting, refer to our Rugby Betting Guide for insights.
Rugby Championship
The start of the Rugby Championship is around the corner on the 16th of August. This will only be the fourth time that our men in green and gold will be defending the title since its inception in 1996. The tournament was first called the Tri-Nations which included Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The name changed to Rugby Championship in 2012 when Argentina joined the tournament. This year, five countries across four continents host the tournament, with the final match between the Bokke and Argentina taking place at Twickenham. Mzansi will be hosting the first two matches against Australia. The Bokke will then depart for two matches against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
2025 Woman’s Rugby World Cup
One of the most exciting Rugby tournaments must be the Woman’s 2025 Rugby World Cup. The tournament is hosted by England and opening match is on the 22nd of August. The Springbok Woman qualified for the competition and is in Group D alongside, France, Brazil and Italy. Our woman in green and gold has never coached by experienced Swys de Bruin. The team is aiming to beat their current best of finishing 10th in the competition. If you want to bet on this event, our Rugby Betting Guide provides detailed advice.
How to Bet on Rugby
Find the right bookie for you before placing a bet. Not all bookies have the same odds, the same markets or the same betting options available. Have a look at our in-depth reviews of bookies that are available in South Africa before placing a bet. Following a good Rugby Betting Guide can also support your betting journey.
Rugby offers a wide range of betting options, from simple picks to more strategic plays. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
- Match Winner: The most straightforward pick who wins. In tight matchups, odds can be very close, but this remains the go-to for casual punters.
- Handicap Betting: One team gets a virtual points advantage or disadvantage. Great for mismatched games turns a one-sided clash into a real betting contest.
- Total Points (Over/Under): Bet on the total match score, not the winner. Good for when teams are known for high or low scoring games.
- First Try Scorer / Anytime Try Scorer: Pick a player to score the first try, or just to score at any time. First Try offers bigger odds but more risk.
- Winning Margin Bets: Predict how many points a team will win by. Ideal if you’re confident not just in the winner, but how dominant they’ll be.
- Half-Time / Full-Time: Bet on who leads at half and full-time. Offers decent value if you expect a team to come from behind.
- Outright Winner: Long term bets on who’ll win the tournament. Good for backing teams that are on good form early.
Some Tips for Beginners
Get to know the teams, the players and not just the odds before placing a bet. Weather can play a part in the outcome so make sure to check the weather. Choose a small amount to bet and stick with it, avoid chasing losses. So ensure you do the following in preparation:
- Examine the team’s performance history, injury reports, and head-to-head records.
- Think about each team’s strategy and style of play.
- Examine the weather and how it might affect the game.
- Keep up with team news because squad changes or player injuries can have a big impact on performance.
- Examine the tactics used by the coaching staff and their flexibility during the competition.
- Overall, the team that manages the breakdown has a big edge. Consult a Rugby Betting Guide to understand these nuances better.
Best Rugby Betting Sites
For SA rugby supporters and bettors there are plenty of great bookie sites to choose from, here we list some golden oldies and newbies to give a try. All offer some great seasonal and event promotions as well as excellent welcome offers. So whether you give Hollywoodbets a try or ZARbet, be sure to shop around a bit to find your fit or two!
- Choice of welcome bonus
- Great promotional line-up
- Seamless gameplay
- Optimised for mobile + data free offer
- Generous bonuses and promotions
- Jika Sports, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
- Good bonuses with fair wagering requirements
- Slots, Aviator and Live Casino Games
- 24/7 support
- Generous Match Bonus
- Extensive Sportsbook
- Casino Games
- Great, competitive odds
- Generous, regular promotions
- Live In-Play, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
