The hard-hitting, exhilarating game of Rugby Union delivers a thrilling spectacle. It combines raw power in thunderous tackles, handling skills with the ball and sheer speed. That wonderful blend of sheer strength and agility can explode a game into life with some jaw-dropping tries being scored.
There are some exciting Rugby Union betting markets available at 888sport, so punters can easily follow rugby union across major competitions like the English Premiership and the Rugby World Cup.
Rugby is a sport that has been played since the mid-1800s but in 1985 it split into two codes, Rugby League and the more popular Rugby Union. From its origins in England, it rapidly spread across the globe to places like Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
A Rugby Union team consists of 15 players with the aim of the game to score more points than the opposition. A try, touching the ball to the ground in the opposition's in-goal area, rewards 5 points, while converting the try by kicking the ball between the goalposts adds a further 2 points.
Successful penalty kicks awarded after infringements are worth 3 points, as are drop goals from open play.
As with many sports, Rugby Union comes with its terminology which is important to know for your online betting. A scrum is when the two opposing packs of forwards hunker down into a pushing match of power over the ball to try and secure possession.
A maul is when a ball-carrying player is supported by teammates latching on, pushing on collectively towards the opposition’s try line and it is one of the great spectacles of Rugby Union play.
As for that odd-shaped oval ball? It’s that shape because of the nature of the game, with an emphasis on players handling and passing the ball, rather than dribbling with their feet. The ball can only be passed backwards in rugby.
The pinnacle of the sport is the Rugby World Cup which comes around every four years. The inaugural edition was held in 1987 with the famous New Zealand All Blacks claiming the title against France.
England famously won the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final for the first time with an iconic last-gasp drop-goal scored by Jonny Wilkinson against Australia.
The annual Six Nations international tournament featuring England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy is one of the highlights of the calendar, as is the Rugby Championship, a fierce Southern Hemisphere competition between Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.
On the domestic club level, the English Premiership is one of the leading leagues in the world, alongside the United Rugby Championship and the Super Rugby League action featuring Australia and New Zealand’s top clubs.
Scrum down for some top Rugby Union odds at 888sport. Wagers can be placed on numerous aspects of a Rugby Union fixture. The match winner picks are hugely popular, as is forecasting the total points scored in a match.
Other popular areas of Rugby Union betting are the First Tryscorer, Handicaps and Winning Margin. At 888sport all our fantastic Rugby Union odds can be enjoyed on mobile with the superb 888sport app.
After the kick-off in a match, a lot more options become available to punters. Rugby is a fantastic game of tactics and strategy as teams look for the best way to counteract and expose their opponents.
That can be through the powerhouse work done up front by a heavy pack, or by throwing the ball around the backs, relying on running creativity and speed to breach defensive lines. Punters looking at rugby can also benefit from having a live betting strategy in place.
Use our huge range of in-play rugby betting options to get deeper into the action. Watch for live betting markets like Next Try scorer, Total Points or even the Match Result after gauging the way the action unfolds. Keep an eye out for Cash Out opportunities as well!
It’s worth keeping up to date with the latest rugby betting tips and news. Grapple with the latest opinions and insights from experts to help your betting tactics. Put information to work for you so that you can make strong rugby picks on your 888sport bet slip.
At 888sport, we take care of our existing customers, so be sure to keep an eye out for our rugby betting promotions. Look out for great price boosts on rugby union betting markets and more!
What is the Rugby World Cup?
Held every four years, the Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport, bringing the best international teams together for the biggest trophy in rugby.
Is Rugby Union The Same As Rugby League?
While they were both created from the same origins, Union and League are two different codes of the sport with varying rules and regulations.
How To Bet On Rugby Union?
Visit the 888sport sportsbook Rugby link. From there you will find all the listings from the major events.