Rugby is a sport where strength, strategy and teamwork collide, and in South Africa it is part of the calendar. Between the Springboks, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and the Currie Cup, there is a match worth following almost every week of the season. This guide explains how rugby union betting works so you can follow the game with a clearer idea of what each bet means.
You will learn how rugby odds are read, which markets are most common, how to place a bet step by step and which mistakes new bettors tend to make. You must be 18 or older to bet, and every bet you place is at fixed odds, so the price you accept on your betting slip is the price you get.
How rugby betting works
Rugby betting means predicting something about a match or a competition. The simplest bet is on who will win. Others look at the points scored, the winning margin or who lifts the trophy at the end of the season. Each option is a “market”, and each market carries odds that show the bookmaker’s price for that outcome.
Most markets are open before kick-off, and on selected matches you can also bet while the game is being played. Available markets differ from match to match, so always check the betting slip for what is offered on the game you are following.
Rugby competitions South Africans bet on
Rugby union is a 15-a-side game played over two 40-minute halves. A try is worth five points, a conversion two, and a penalty kick or drop goal three. Those scoring values are the reason handicap and total points markets are so popular, because a single score can swing a result.
These are the competitions most South African bettors follow:
- United Rugby Championship (URC): the main club competition for South African sides. The Lions, Bulls, Sharks and Stormers play against teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and beyond. Read our 10bet Lions guide for the 2026/27 fixtures and squad.
- Currie Cup: South Africa’s domestic competition, with provincial teams playing at home grounds around the country.
- The Rugby Championship: the Springboks against the All Blacks, Wallabies and Pumas, which is where many casual followers first start betting on rugby.
- Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup: the Northern Hemisphere’s flagship tournament and the global showpiece. The Springboks won the last World Cup, in 2023, which keeps interest in the tournament high every four years.
How rugby odds work
Odds tell you two things: how likely the bookmaker thinks an outcome is, and how much a winning bet pays. In South Africa, odds are usually shown in decimal format. To work out your return, multiply your stake by the odds. That return already includes your original stake.
For example, a R100 stake at odds of 1.50 returns R150 if it wins, which is R50 profit. A R100 stake at odds of 3.00 returns R300, which is R200 profit. The lower number belongs to the favourite, the team the bookmaker thinks is more likely to win. The higher number belongs to the underdog, and it pays more because the outcome is less likely.
Odds are not a guarantee of anything. A short price can still lose, and that is part of why rugby is worth watching closely rather than betting on blindly.
Popular rugby betting markets
Rugby union has a handful of straightforward markets that suit anyone starting out. Here is what each one asks you to predict:
| Market | What you are predicting | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Match winner | Which team wins the game | Some versions include the draw as a third option. Draws are rare in rugby, but they do happen. |
| Handicap | Which team wins after one side is given a points head start | Used when one team is a clear favourite. A handicap of -6.5 means the favourite must win by seven points or more. |
| Total points (over/under) | Whether the combined score of both teams is over or under a set number | Does not depend on who wins, only on how many points are scored. |
| Outright winner | Who wins a whole competition | Placed before or during a tournament. The bet only pays out if your pick wins the competition. |
Match winner
The match winner market, sometimes called the match result, is the simplest bet. You choose the team you think will win and your bet wins if they do. Rugby is a high-scoring game compared to soccer, which usually means the better team wins more often, so favourites are often priced short.
Handicap betting
A handicap evens up a mismatch. If a strong team is a heavy favourite, the bookmaker gives the weaker side a points head start. You then back whichever team you think will do better against that spread. For example, if the Lions are given a handicap of -6.5, they need to win by seven or more for the bet to win.
Total points: over/under
Over/under betting is about the total score. If the line is set at 45.5 and you back over, the two teams need to score 46 points or more between them. We suggest starting here if you are new to betting, since it does not require you to pick a winner.
Outright betting
Outright bets look at an entire competition, such as who will win the URC or the Currie Cup. You usually get more attractive odds before the tournament begins, but your money is tied up until the competition is decided.
Depending on the match, other markets such as winning margin or try scorer bets may also be offered. Check what is available on the betting slip for the game you want.
How to bet on rugby at 10bet
- Log in to your 10bet account, or register if you do not have one yet.
- Go to our rugby betting page and choose a competition.
- Pick the match you want to bet on.
- Choose your market, such as match winner, handicap or total points.
- Select the odds to add the bet to your betting slip.
- Enter your stake and check the potential return.
- Confirm your bet.
New to 10bet? See the latest 10bet offers and read the terms before you take one up.
What to check before you bet on rugby
Good decisions start with knowing the basics of the match. These are the main things to look at before you pick a bet:
- Recent form: how each team has done over the last few matches, and how they play at home compared with away.
- Team news and injuries: a missing fly-half or captain can change a team’s chances, and squads are often rotated in the URC, especially around international windows.
- Venue and conditions: Johannesburg sits around 1,750 metres above sea level, and visiting teams can find the altitude at Ellis Park tough. Rain and wind also affect scoring, which matters for total points bets. Our Ellis Park guide covers the stadium and home of the 10bet Lions.
- Head-to-head record: some matchups produce close games every time, and others are one-sided. A team’s recent meetings can help you judge the handicap line.
Three common rugby betting mistakes to avoid
1. Betting without research
A common mistake is placing a bet on impulse, with no look at form, injuries or the conditions on the day. Spending a few minutes on team news before you bet is a better habit.
2. Chasing losses
Chasing losses means continuing to bet to win back money you have already lost. It usually leads to bigger losses. Set a budget before you start and stick to it, even if a match does not go your way.
3. Misunderstanding the odds
Odds are directly tied to your potential return and to how likely the bookmaker thinks an outcome is. If you are unsure what a price means, work through the examples above before placing a bet.
Rugby betting FAQs
Is rugby betting legal in South Africa?
Yes, when you use a licensed bookmaker. Edcobrite (Pty) Ltd, which operates 10bet South Africa, is licensed and regulated by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. You must be 18 or older to bet.
Can I bet on a rugby match while it is being played?
On selected matches, yes. Live odds change as the game develops, and the markets on offer depend on the match, so check the live section for what is available.
What is the easiest rugby bet for a beginner?
Most newcomers start with match winner or total points over/under, because the outcome is easy to understand. Handicap and outright markets are worth trying once you are comfortable with how odds work.
Bet responsibly
Betting should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Only bet what you can afford to lose, set limits and take a break if it stops being fun. If you need support, visit our Responsible Gambling page.
Next steps
Once you are comfortable with the basics, read the advanced bettor’s guide to rugby for more detail on how to approach different markets. You can also follow the 10bet Lions through the season with our Lions guide.
