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Best Rugby Betting Sites in Ireland for 2025 ☘️ Offers and Free Bets

Our betting experts at Betfree.ie have bet on rugby with the best betting sites in Ireland and ranked & reviewed them based on rugby events covered, odds offered and any rugby free bets that you can claim.

Top Rugby Sites for 2025:

1
5 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get €300 in Matched Free Bets!

BetVictor offer an impressive €300 in Match Free Bets for new customers in Ireland. This is a very competitive offer for the Irish market.

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18+ New customers only. Opt in, place your first three bets of €10 or more on specific markets within 7 days of registration. Get up to 3x€100 matched in Free Bets. Free bets expire after 30 days. Min €10 deposit. T&Cs Apply. gamblingcare.ie | Please gamble responsibly
Review
2
5 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get €40 Free Bet!

Competitive rugby odds: The site offers solid odds for rugby matches and tournaments, often on par with or better than other leading bookmakers.

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18+ Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BB40 only. Min €10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 4 x €10, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. See full terms below. gamblingtherapy.org
Review
3
4.9 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get a €20 Free Bet!

Significant terms: 18+. UK+IRE customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excluded. Min £/€5 first bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £/€5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days on sports, stakes not returned, restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.

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18+. T&C Apply
Review
4
4.8 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get a €15 Free Bet!

Decent range of rugby markets: The site offers a variety of rugby betting options, including pre-match and in-play markets for both domestic and international competitions.

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18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: €10, max €15 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at a min. odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement.System bets no eligible.
Review
5
4.8 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

€50 in Free Bets!

Irish-focused bookmaker: As an Irish bookmaker, BoyleSports caters to the preferences of Irish bettors and often provides special promotions and offers for Irish rugby events.

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Terms & conditions apply >
IRE/NI new customers only. €/£40 in FREE Bets (FB) as €/£30 in sports bets & a €/£10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit €/£10. Min stake €/£10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept €/£10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable €/£100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs apply. T&Cs apply
Review
6
4.6 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get up to €30 in FreeBets

New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get €30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required.

CLAIM BONUS
Terms & conditions apply >
New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get €30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.
Review
7
4.6 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get a €50 Free Bet!

At time of writing, there are around 25 sports listed on the QuinnBet site. That isn't as much as you'd see with other betting sites, but then they're often more established brands. As QuinnBet is new to the game, this is a respectable number to have.

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Bet €10 on any sport of your choice at min odds evens (2.00) or greater and get €50 in Free Bets (to use on any Sports of your choice), plus €20 QuinnCasino bonus, plus 10 Free online casino spins. The €50 Free Bets, €20 Casino Bonus and 10 Free Spins will be credited the day after your qualifying bet settles. T&Cs apply | 18+ New IRE Customers Only | GamblingCare.ie | Gamble Responsibly
Review
8
4.6 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get 50% Back as €25 Free Bet!

Launching its online sportsbook back in 2022, Goodwin Racing later rebranded as Betgoodwin and retains its image as a well-established, legitimate bookmaker.

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KQC: 18+. Play safe. New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.
Review
9
4.5 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get €60 in Free Bets

Right now they can give you over 30 different sports to pick from, making them very competitive as a new sportsbook on the scene. They have the trifecta of football, horse racing and greyhounds covered, so you can find lots of markets here. You're going to find markets in plenty of other top sports too, including tennis, golf, cricket, and more besides.

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*New members. Must sign up via advertised offer link. €10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook (ex. virtuals), placed & settled at EVS min odds in 14 days of sign-up. Win part of E/W bets. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days, use on sportsbook only (ex. virtuals), stakes not returned. T&Cs and deposit exclusions apply. Bet Responsibly. Gamblingcare.ie. 18+.
Review
10
4.5 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get 50% Back as €25 Free Bet!

Star Sports was established in 1999 by Star Racing Limited and it’s widely regarded as one of the best companies in the world of betting in Ireland. They invested in a vast array of solutions, such as dynamic betting, while having an exceptional, modern website that’s very high quality.

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Terms & conditions apply >
New UK/IE customers only. Sign up and place your first sports bet at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater and if it loses, get a free bet equivalent to 50% of your first bet stake (min €10), to a maximum value of €25, plus 25 free spins on Gold Horsey Winner. Full T&Cs apply. 18+ | GambleAware
Review
11
4.5 / 5
TOTAL SCORE

Get a 50% up to €50 Bonus

NetBet is a well known brand that operates throughout Europe, they offer welcome bonuses allow you to receive a 50% bonus on your first deposit.

 

Rugby Betting Ireland Facts

 
⚖️ Gambling Licenses Irish, UKGC, MGA
✅ Largest Football Betting Bonus: €100
💸 Minimum Deposit €1-€10
📱 Best Mobile Rugby Site bet365
🥇 Best Rugby Betting Site BetVictor
💰 Best Rugby Free Bet 888sport
🏉 Best Rugby Market Selection Ladbrokes
🔥 Best New Rugby Bookmaker Tonybet

How we rank the best rugby betting sites in Ireland

Tournament coverageTop-rated rugby Irish bookmakers should cover major tournaments and leagues, such as the Six Nations, Rugby World Cup, Super Rugby, and domestic leagues. Some bookies are better than others at covering some events over others, so at Betfree.ie , we’ll always recommend ones with the best bang for your buck.
Bet selectionBet selection is key if rugby bookies want a high ranking. That should cover try scorers, outright match winners, and handicap betting. The latter is a popular one for rugby fans (and betting fans generally). It works by giving a team a hypothetical advantage (or disadvantage) by adding or subtracting points from your chosen team. If Ireland are playing South Africa with the former being a 9-point favourite to win, you can give South Africa a 9.5-point handicap to start the game with. If South Africa win the match, or lose it by fewer than 9 points, the player wins their bet.
OddsGood value for money is the name of the game and rugby fans deserve good odds to maximise potential winnings. Our team at Betfree.ie will recommend the best bookies that offer competitive odds across major and smaller tournaments.
Live streamingRugby is one of the most popular sports in the world and there are always exciting tournaments to watch and wager on. Bookies need to show the action alongside offering punters easy methods to place their bets. It benefits both the bookies and the punters, as the latter are more likely to stay on the site if they can watch their game at the same time.
Offers and bonusesThere’s no shortage of rugby betting offers and bonuses for when the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations, or even Women’s Six Nations is on. Some might be specific to the rugby, but punters can still opt to take advantage of the general offers too. Welcome bonuses, free bets, bet and get offers. They’re all going to be there, but we’ll recommend the ones with the best value and that are specific to the rugby.
The experience on the movePunters place the majority of their bets from their phone or tablet nowadays. It makes sense; this is the device that’s always close to them. With that being said, a website isn’t the same as an app, so bookies should prioritise delivering a fully optimised, responsive, easy-to-use app if they want to retain their customers. If an Irish bookies wants to rank highly, a decent mobile app is an integral piece of the puzzle.
Decent featuresBet selection and good odds are buttressed by features that complement them. With betting calculators, odds conversion, and data-finding tools available on the market, bookies need to provide ones that help bettors wager with confidence.  
StatisticsA lot happens in rugby. Players are on form, off form, injured, and many other variables. Similar to having decent tools to make decisions, having an in-app or on-site statistics and insights stream of information is an in-demand feature by bettors nowadays. Rugby bookie sites should offer this feature if they want to rank and, of course, the better the feature, the higher they are likely to rank.
Customer supportFrustrations arise and mistakes happen, particularly with a popular market like rugby. Having a live chat function on the site – or email and freephone if that’s a punter’s preference – is a crucial aspect of being a decent Irish bookies for rugby fans. To be best-in-class at customer service, staff need to know rugby inside out and be available 24/7.
Reviews and reputationBettors and industry experts are best placed to provide insight on how good a rugby bookies is. We would never recommend ones without the proper regulatory credentials – like the UKGC licence – while also prioritising bookies that score consistent positive reviews, from experts and punters alike, will always be a key component in how we rank.

Best Rugby betting sites in Ireland

Rugby is a popular sport in Ireland, and as a result, there are several online betting sites that offer rugby betting markets to Irish punters. Keep in mind that these assessments are subject to change as bookmakers frequently update their promotions, markets, and features. Our team at Betfree have taken a look at the some of the most popular sites in our list below.

BETVictor

 BETVictor offers a variety of betting options for rugby, including pre-match and in-play betting. This means that punters can place bets before a match starts or during the game itself. In addition, BETVictor provides punters with access to live streams and score updates, making it easier to keep track of the progress of the game and adjust bets accordingly.

BETVictor also provides punters with competitive odds for rugby matches, which can help to maximize potential winnings. The platform is also user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and find the markets that you are interested in.

In terms of safety and security, BETVictor is a fully licensed and regulated platform, ensuring that users can place bets with confidence. The platform also provides a range of deposit and withdrawal options, making it easy to manage your funds.

Pros: Competitive odds-on rugby markets: BetVictor offers consistently good odds for rugby, often beating competitors on many markets.

Easy-to-use interface and navigation: The website is user-friendly, making it easy for both new and experienced bettors to find the markets they want to bet on.

Regular promotions and special offers for rugby events: BetVictor has a variety of promotions, including free bets and enhanced odds for rugby matches and tournaments.

Cons: Customer support can be slow at times: While BetVictor offers 24/7 support, response times can vary, particularly during peak periods.

Limited live streaming options: Live streaming is available for select events, but rugby coverage may not be as extensive as on other sites.

William Hill

 William Hill is a well-established and reputable online betting site that offers a range of sports betting options, including rugby, the site provides a variety of markets for users to choose from as well as  pre-match and in-play betting options for rugby matches, which like BETVictor allows punters to place bets before the match or during the game itself. The site also provides punters with live score updates and live streaming, so you can follow the action and make informed betting decisions even on the move.

William Hill provides competitive odds for rugby matches, with prices updated in real-time to reflect the latest developments in the game. The site also offers a range of promotions and bonuses for new and existing users, which can further enhance the value of your bets.

William Hill is a reliable and trusted betting site for rugby, with a range of markets, competitive odds, and user-friendly features. Whether you’re a seasoned rugby fan or new to the sport, William Hill offers a comprehensive betting experience for all users.

Pros: Reputable and established bookmaker: William Hill has been in the betting industry for many years, earning a solid reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

Wide range of rugby betting markets: The site offers numerous markets for rugby, including match-winner, handicap, total points, and in-play betting.

Good in-play betting options: William Hill provides a comprehensive in-play betting experience, with constantly updated odds and a variety of markets available during rugby matches.

Cons: Promotions may not be as generous as other sites: While William Hill does offer promotions and free bets, they may not be as lucrative as those found on other sites.

Navigation can be a bit overwhelming for new users: The website features numerous betting options and features, which can be confusing for first-time visitors.

LeoVegas Sports

 Rugby is a popular sport for betting on LeoVegas Sports, with a variety of markets available for both domestic and international competitions. LeoVegas Sports is also user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and find the markets that you are interested in. The platform also offers a range of promotions and bonuses for new and existing users, which can further enhance the value of your bets.

Like other some other sites LeoVegas Sports offers punters the option to place pre-match and in-play bets on rugby matches, giving them the chance to bet before the game starts or while the game is in progress as well as providing live score updates and live streaming. The easy to use mobile app also makes this a good site to use if you are always on the go.

LeoVegas Sports offers competitive odds for rugby matches, with prices updated in real-time to reflect the latest developments in the game. The platform also provides users with access to a range of special markets, such as first try scorer and handicap betting, which can offer additional betting opportunities and potentially higher returns.

Overall, LeoVegas Sports is a great option for those looking to bet on rugby, with a wide range of markets, competitive odds, and user-friendly features.

Pros: Excellent mobile betting experience: LeoVegas Sports is known for its top-notch mobile app, providing a seamless betting experience on smartphones and tablets.

Competitive rugby odds: The site offers solid odds for rugby matches and tournaments, often on par with or better than other leading bookmakers.

Innovative features and promotions: LeoVegas Sports regularly introduces new betting features and promotions, which can enhance the rugby betting experience.

Cons: Limited customer support hours: LeoVegas Sports does not offer 24/7 customer support, which can be a drawback for bettors who need assistance outside of regular support hours.

Smaller selection of rugby markets compared to some competitors: While LeoVegas Sports offers a decent range of rugby markets, it may not be as extensive as some other bookmakers.

Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes is a big name in this line up, and as you would expect, offers a range of special markets for rugby including first try scorer and handicap betting. There are pre-match and in-play betting options for all big rugby matches. The site also provides users with live score updates and live streaming, so you can follow the action and make informed betting decisions.

Ladbrokes provides competitive odds for rugby matches, with prices updated in real-time to reflect the latest developments in the game. The site also offers a range of promotions and bonuses for new and existing Irish users, which can further enhance the value of your bets.

Overall, Ladbrokes is a reliable and trusted betting site for rugby, with a range of markets, competitive odds, and user-friendly features. Whether you’re a seasoned rugby fan or new to the sport, Ladbrokes offers a comprehensive betting experience for all punters.

Pros: Comprehensive rugby betting options: Ladbrokes offers a wide variety of rugby markets, including both domestic and international competitions.

Regular promotions and free bet offers: The site frequently provides promotions and free bet offers, particularly for major rugby events.

Strong reputation and established brand: Ladbrokes is a well-known and respected bookmaker in the industry, providing a reliable betting experience.

Cons: Odds may not always be as competitive as other sites: While Ladbrokes offers fair odds on rugby markets, they may not always be the best available.

Website design can feel outdated: The site’s layout and design may not be as modern or user-friendly as some of its competitors.

888Sport

One of the main reasons why 888Sport is a great option for rugby betting is the wide range of markets it offers. In addition to standard betting options like match winner and total points, 888Sport also provides users with a variety of alternative betting markets such as winning margin. This allows users to find the betting option that suits their preference and style of betting.

This platform offers good odds for Irish Rugby enthusiasts that are regularly updated and comparable to those provided by other top sports betting platforms. Users can take advantage of the competitive odds to maximise their potential returns.

888Sport also offers live streaming of many rugby matches and provides users with live score updates and statistics, which can help to inform betting decisions. A user-friendly site for Irish Rugby betting, with a simple and intuitive website that makes it easy to find and place bets. The platform also offers a mobile app, which allows users to place bets on rugby matches on-the-go.

Pros: Wide selection of rugby markets: 888sport provides an extensive range of betting options for rugby, including match-winner, handicap, and in-play bets.

Competitive odds: The site generally offers competitive odds for rugby markets, often ranking among the top bookmakers in this regard.

Good customer support: 888sport offers responsive customer service via live chat, email, and phone.

Cons: Limited promotions for rugby: While 888sport does offer promotions, they may not be as rugby-focused as others.

Mr.Play.com

Mr.Play.com is a popular betting site in Ireland offering pre-match and in-play betting options for rugby matches. This platform also provides users with live score updates and live streaming, so you can follow the action even if you are not watching the game on TV.

 As you would expect, Mr.Play.com also offers a range of special markets for rugby, such as first try scorer and handicap betting. These markets can provide users with additional betting opportunities and potentially higher returns.

Mr.Play.com provides consistent competitive odds for rugby matches, with prices updated in real-time to reflect the latest developments in the game. The platform also offers a range of promotions and bonuses for new and existing users.

Pros: Decent range of rugby markets: The site offers a variety of rugby betting options, including pre-match and in-play markets for both domestic and international competitions.

Regular promotions: Mr.Play provides regular promotions, including free bets and enhanced odds, which can add value to your rugby betting experience.

Cons: Limited live streaming: Mr.Play does not have a comprehensive live streaming service, which could be a drawback for bettors who want to watch rugby matches while betting.

Newer to the market than other bookmakers and not as established.

BoyleSports

Pros

  • One of the oldest active bookmakers in Ireland, first founded in 1989
  • Support for countless international events and competitions (plus 41 other non-rugby markets)
  • Generous 400% matched welcome offer, giving €20 in free bets after your first €5 bet
  • Live streaming is available on many of the biggest rugby events
  • Early payout promotions are active on rugby betting if your team goes fourteen points up
  • Excellent range of 9 diverse payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, ApplePay, GooglePay, Boku, Neteller, Skrill, and PaySafeCard
  • All payment methods are also available for withdrawals, which is not often seen
  • Excellent sports betting apps with full access to all betting markets
  • Customer support is available through live chat, by phone call, and by email

Cons

  • Some people have reported IP address issues that can prevent them from being able to access the site

Online sports betting can sometimes feel like a minefield, but betting on the biggest rugby games through BoyleSports is one option that’s definitely worth considering. Indeed, BoyleSports has firmly cemented itself as one of Ireland’s most beloved online bookmakers, and for good reason; this reputation has helped contribute to the site becoming a great place for rugby followers to bet.

BoyleSports offers rugby betting on numerous international competitions and events, including in Europe, Ireland, South Africa, and New Zealand. The site also offers several excellent features that help with betting on rugby, including the ability to cash out your bet or the option to bet on markets aside from just the main winner markets, such as whether your team will go 14 points ahead at any point. This is backed up by the site’s 14 points ahead early payout offer, which guarantees that even if your team has a good start but ultimately falls flat, you’ll still win.

In addition to its main rugby markets, BoyleSports also offers 41 other markets, meaning there’s something for everyone.

TonyBet

TonyBet offers a wide range of betting markets for rugby, including match winner, total points, handicap betting, and first try scorer. This allows users to find the betting option that suits their preferences and style of betting.

TonyBet offers competitive odds for rugby matches, with prices updated in real-time with live streaming and score updates. TonyBet also provides punters with live streaming and score updates for many rugby matches, allowing them to follow the game and make informed betting decisions in real-time.

The website is designed with a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to find and place bets on rugby matches we also like the mobile app for betting on-the-go, allowing users to place bets on rugby matches from anywhere.

Pros: Unique betting markets: TonyBet occasionally offers unique or niche rugby betting markets, providing additional opportunities for bettors to find value.

Competitive odds: The site generally offers competitive odds on rugby markets, making it a viable option for bettors seeking the best value.

Easy-to-navigate website: TonyBet has a user-friendly website that makes it simple to locate rugby betting markets and place bets.

Cons: Smaller range of rugby markets: While TonyBet does cover rugby, the selection of markets may be more limited compared to larger, more established bookmakers.

Limited promotions focused on rugby: TonyBet offers promotions and bonuses, but they may not be as rugby-centric as those found on other sites.

Bet365

 Bet365 offers pre-match and in-play betting options for rugby matches, for both placing bets before the match or during the game itself. The site also provides users with live score updates and live streaming, so you can follow the action in real time.

In addition to traditional betting options, Bet365 also offers a range of special markets for rugby, such as first try scorer and handicap betting increasing the fun and potentially giving you higher returns.

Bet365 provides competitive odds for rugby matches, with prices updated in real-time. The platform also offers a range of promotions and bonuses for new and existing users as well as a  range of payment options for deposits and withdrawals, making it easy to manage your funds.

Overall, Bet365 is a reliable and trusted betting site for rugby, with a range of markets, competitive odds, and user-friendly features. Whether you’re a seasoned rugby fan or new to the sport.

 Pros: Bet365 is one of the most popular betting sites for rugby betting in Ireland. They offer a wide range of rugby betting markets, including match winner, handicap, total points, and first try scorer. Bet365 offers competitive odds and a user-friendly platform, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bettors.

Cons: One of the drawbacks of Bet365 is that their promotions are limited, which may not be as attractive to some bettors.

Each of these bookmakers offers a different experience for rugby betting in Ireland, and your choice will depend on factors such as the range of markets, odds, promotions, and overall user experience. It’s always a good idea to compare different sites and find the one that best suits your preferences and betting style.

Rugby, a gentleman’s game

Rugby is a contact sport that originated in England in the 19th century. It is played with an oval-shaped ball and involves two teams of 15 players each (or 7 players each in the shortened version of the game called Rugby Sevens). The aim of the game is to score points by carrying the ball over the opponent’s try line or by kicking the ball between the opponent’s goalposts.

The game is divided into two 40-minute halves, and the team with the most points at the end of the match is declared the winner. Rugby is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, speed, skill, and strategy. It is known for its physicality and the high level of contact involved, with players wearing protective gear such as helmets, mouthguards, and shoulder pads to minimize the risk of injury. Rugby is played at both amateur and professional levels, with national and international competitions such as the Rugby World Cup and Six Nations Championship attracting millions of viewers and fans around the world.

Types of bonuses at rugby bookies in Ireland

TypeDescription
Welcome bonusNothing beats looking for a site to wager on the Super League or other major tournament – or any rugby game for that matter – than seeing a welcome bonus offer. Welcome bonuses work by offering bonus funds after the punter has placed an initial deposit and wagered their qualifying bet. For example, you might need to be €10 to get a €30 bonus bet. There are always T&Cs to be mindful of but can be a great way to land some big winnings.
Enhanced oddsEnhanced odds boost the potential payouts for rugby bets. Keep an eye out for various ways bookies increase their odds for punters. They regularly offer improved odds for a particular team to win a match or for a player to score a try.
Specific offersTry-scorer markets and handicap bets are really popular among rugby bettors. When major tournaments like the Six Nations are on, bookies regularly provide offers that entice punters to bet on those markets. Sometimes they include leaderboard competitions with cash prizes, over/under market deals, and more.
Scratch of the dayA popular promotion on a growing number of Irish bookies’ sites, ‘Scratch Of The Day’ is a virtual scratchcard punters can (you guessed it) scratch every day to reveal a prize. The most common prizes are ‘bet and get’ offers, odds boosts, or a free bet if a condition is met in an event, such as a team winning by two tries or more.
CashbackCashback is a nice safety net for punters. If a bet loses but meets certain conditions (e.g., let’s say you bet on an outright win but the game is a draw) you can receive some of your stake back as cash or a free bet.
Acca insuranceAcca insurance is like cashback, with the difference being that the conditional requirement is that one leg of your selection needs to lose for it to be invoked. Some rugby bookies are a bit more generous and allow more than one selection to fail while still providing some compensation.

Betting markets refer to the different types of wagers or bets offered by bookmakers for a specific event, match, or competition. These markets present various betting opportunities for bettors, allowing them to place bets on different aspects of the event. The odds for each betting market are determined by bookmakers based on factors such as team form, historical data, and other variables. In sports betting, different markets can be offered depending on the sport, event, and bookmaker. Some common betting markets in Rugby include:

Match winner: This is the simplest and most common type of bet in rugby. In this market, you are betting on the team you think will win the match. Odds will be offered for both teams, and you will need to choose one. If your chosen team wins, your bet will be successful.

Handicap: Handicap betting levels the playing field between the two teams by assigning a points advantage or disadvantage to each team. This type of betting is popular when there’s a clear favourite and underdog. For example, if Team A is favoured to win by 10 points, the handicap might be set at -10 for Team A and +10 for Team B. If you bet on Team A, they must win by more than 10 points for your bet to be successful. If you bet on Team B, they must either win or lose by fewer than 10 points for your bet to win.

Total points: In this market, you are betting on whether the total number of points scored in the match will be over or under a specified number. The bookmaker will set a points line, and you will choose whether you think the combined score of both teams will be above or below that number.

First try scorer: This bet involves predicting which player will score the first try of the match. Odds are given for each player, and you choose who you think will cross the try line first. If your selected player scores the first try, your bet will be successful.

Single bet: A single bet is a wager on one specific outcome or event. For example, betting on the match-winner would be a single bet. The bet can only be successful if the selected outcome occurs.

Accumulator bet: An accumulator bet, also known as a parlay, combines multiple bets into one wager. Each bet within the accumulator is called a leg. All legs must be successful for the accumulator bet to win. The potential winnings are calculated by multiplying the odds of all the legs together, meaning that accumulator bets can offer much higher returns than single bets. However, the risk is also higher, as one incorrect selection will cause the entire bet to lose.

In-play betting: In-play, or live betting, allows you to place bets on a rugby match as it happens. Odds will change in real-time based on the game’s events, such as tries, penalties, and injuries. This type of betting offers a more interactive experience and can provide additional betting opportunities for bettors who can read and react to the game as it unfolds. Popular in-play markets include next team to score, next try scorer, and updated match-winner odds. In-play betting in rugby can be an exciting way to bet on the sport, as it allows users to place bets during the game itself, based on the unfolding taking advantage of the constantly changing odds and circumstances to make informed betting decisions. For example, if a team starts playing particularly well or if a key player gets injured, the odds may shift, and users can use this to their advantage.

The rules of Rugby

To have an understanding of the rules and some of the bigger names in Rugby can increase your chances of a good betting result. The rules of rugby can vary slightly depending on the level of play and the specific competition, but here is a general overview of the basic rules of the sport:

The ball: The ball used in rugby is oval-shaped and can be kicked, carried or passed.

Scoring: Points can be scored in several ways, including a try (touching the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area), a conversion (kicking the ball between the opponent’s goalposts after a try), a penalty kick (kicking the ball between the opponent’s goalposts after a foul), or a drop goal (kicking the ball over the opponent’s goalposts during open play).

Teams: Each team has 15 players on the field at any given time, and substitutions can be made throughout the game.

Gameplay: The game starts with a kick-off, and play is restarted after each score or penalty with a scrum, lineout, or kick-off. Players can pass the ball laterally or backwards, but cannot pass the ball forwards. Players can also kick the ball at any time during play, but must stay behind the ball when doing so.

Tackles: Players can be tackled by the opposition and must release the ball when tackled. Players on the ground must release the ball immediately, and play continues with a ruck or a maul. Dangerous tackles, such as high tackles or tackles that lift a player off the ground, are penalized.

Foul play: Various forms of foul play, such as tripping, punching, or obstruction, are penalized with free kicks or penalties, and players can be sent off the field for serious offences.

Offside: Players must remain onside at all times during play, meaning they must be behind the ball or behind a teammate who last touched the ball.

Advantage: The referee can choose to play advantage if a team has committed an offence, allowing play to continue if the non-offending team can benefit from doing so.

These are just some of the basic rules of rugby, and there are many other technicalities and nuances that come with the sport.

Placing your first bet on a rugby match

We have spoken about some of the markets or types of bets that can be taken on rugby on these sites including traditional bets such as match winner, handicap, total points, and first try scorer, as well as more specialised bets such as individual player performance bets and winning margin bets. In-play betting is also available on all of these sites, allowing customers to bet on matches as they unfold in real time.

Overall, each of these betting sites has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice for a punter will depend on their individual preferences and priorities. It is important for bettors to carefully consider the pros and cons of each site before making a decision, and to always gamble responsibly Here is a step-by-step guide prepared by the experts at Betfree.ie on how to place your first bet.

Placing a bet on rugby at an Irish betting website is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started using Mr.Play.com as an example:

  1. Set up an account. Go to the Mr.Play website and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by clicking the “open account” button at the top right hand side of the page and following the prompts to add an email address, choose a user name and choose a password. You will be taken to a page to confirm your identity where you will need to give your address and date of birth. You also get the opportunity to tick a box to accept special offers and promotions. You will then be asked to verify your account by uploading documents. You need to do this in order to add funds to your account and bet on any of the games or sports on the site. This process is very easy to do and only took a minute following the prompts to upload a photograph of a bank statement and a driving licence, but I did have to wait for my documents to be verified which took a couple of hours so if you wanting to join close to the start of a rugby match you might find this a little frustrating. You will then be sent and email to verify your account.
  • Add funds to your account. Click on the ‘deposit’ button at the top right hand of the homepage. You will be asked to select the type of payment you would like to make on choosing the relevant symbol from the box. Once clinking on the symobol you will be taken to a page to input your details if using a credit/ debit card or verify your account if using a service such as PayPal. Input how much you would like to deposit in your Mr. Play account.
  • Once you’re logged in and you have deposited funds into your account, click on the “Sports” tab at the top of the screen. This will take you to the sports betting section of the website. On the left-hand side of the screen, using a computer you will see a list of sports. Click on “Rugby” to view the available rugby matches. If viewing the site on a mobile phone you will see a grey sliding bar in the middle of the screen. Choose the Rugby symbol from here. Click on the Rugby symbol to open a page of rugby events.
  • Browse rugby markets: You will find a variety of rugby markets across the top of the page such as match-winner, handicap, total points, and in-play bets. Look for the specific match or tournament you want to bet on and explore the available markets for that match.
  • Once you have chosen your match and market click on the ‘stake’ button which will add the selection to your bet slip. Enter the amount you want to stake and confirm your bet. The potential payout will be displayed on your bet slip. Click the ‘place bets ’ button to confirm the bet at the bottom of the payslip.
  • Monitor your bet: Keep an eye on the progress of your bet, either by watching the match on TV, following live updates on Mr.Play, or using a live score app. If your bet is successful, your winnings will be credited to your account balance. With-draw your winnings: If you want to withdraw your winnings, go to the ‘cashout’ section of your account which is accessed by clicking the 3 bars on the top left of the screen and follow the instructions. Be aware that withdrawal methods and processing times may not be instantaneous.

Remember to bet responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose. If you ever feel that your gambling is getting out of control, seek help from a professional organization like GambleAware or Gamblers Anonymous

The popularity of rugby in Ireland also means that there is a large and knowledgeable community of rugby fans who are well-informed about the sport and its players. This can provide an advantage for punters who are able to use their knowledge and expertise to make informed betting decisions.

Overall, the Irish betting market on rugby is a vibrant and dynamic market that offers a great deal of choice and opportunity for punters who are interested in betting on this exciting sport. For information on this season’s biggest fixtures see our monthly guide below.