There is excitement in rugby betting, and for good reason. The tempo, hard attacks and erratic nature of the game make it perfect for punters. But for the beginner punter – or maybe even for the seasoned bettor who wants to push his bets a little further – you have to know which leagues are most in demand.

So, let’s jump into the top five rugby leagues you need to be spending your time – and money – on.

1. Premiership Rugby (England) 

Going first with the biggest names – Premiership Rugby, England’s rugby union league, is the country’s top level. Here’s where you’ll find high-tempo, exciting matches, week after week. Not only do the Leicester Tigers, Saracens and Exeter Chiefs sound like household names, but these teams have history, drive and real talent. 

Bet on Premiership Rugby if you enjoy high-stakes action. It’s particularly exciting, given the competitiveness of the league and the advanced rugby tactics on show. While with some sports you know with absolute certainty who will be crowned each season, Premiership Rugby is unpredictable. Underdogs often trump the favourites, which is great for those looking to place bets on games with good odds. 

2. Super Rugby (Southern Hemisphere) 

Super Rugby is an entirely different animal. It includes groups from all over the Southern Hemisphere: Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and more recently, Argentina and Japan. It’s a transcontinental rugby league, one of the biggest rugby leagues in the world. Super Rugby is the game for you if you like your rugby open, attacking and try-scoring. 

Super Rugby is often dominated by New Zealand, with Crusaders and Hurricanes showcasing the pinnacle of skill and strength. Super Rugby can make sports betting similar to roulette in the sense that everyone is pretty evenly matched. However, you never know when one of the unknown teams is going to jump in and take out a monster. This also doesn’t necessarily mean there’s never something worthwhile to wager on.

Super Rugby’s international feel means you can be there all day long, and that internationality adds a bit of drama to the betting action. If you’re in Europe, Asia or North America, there is always a match to catch.

3. Top 14 (France) 

In terms of rugby fever, there’s nowhere more passionate than France’s Top 14. It’s a mix of rugged defence, explosive forwards and artful backs. The world’s greatest players ply their trade in the Top 14, drawn to the league’s history and rich contracts. There are always high-flying teams such as Toulouse, Racing 92 and Clermont Auvergne, all of which can make for very interesting encounters. 

Top 14 is known for its physical nature, so predicting points per game or the team’s performance is attractive. As you will most often find low point spreads and defences that are often very likely to happen, it can be an excellent bet to take. Don’t get us wrong, though – French rugby, too, can erupt in sublime moments of beauty, with lines that can score from anywhere. 

French football fans are enthusiastic and that spirit bleeds through to the betting markets. Since rugby has become the blood of Toulouse and Toulon, the Top 14 is going to leave a fair bit of room for intelligent wagering. And what’s the best part? You can almost always find free betting offers for a Top 14 matchup.

4. United Rugby Championship (URC) 

The United Rugby Championship, previously known as the Pro14, is also international. It features Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Italian and South African teams, being one of the more international leagues in rugby. The URC is not standardised as teams compete for both league titles and for a place in European competitions, which is also exciting. 

Leinster, Munster, the Ospreys… you’re always in contention, but with South African sides like the Bulls and Stormers also popping in, it’s a whirlwind. South African clubs add an edge to the game, their gritty physicality sometimes being at odds with the faster, more strategic European style. 

It’s interesting to bet on the URC with this variation in play. This league also often has some good betting deals, especially during popular matches, and it’s an excellent bet for those who are experienced or new to betting. 

5. National Rugby League (NRL) 

Not only is rugby union a thing, but if you’re more into rugby league, then it’s the NRL that will have you pumped. NRL is an Australian and New Zealand-based rugby league competition and is the world’s largest rugby league competition. It has become the playground for teams such as the Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos. 

But it is the intensity of the games that make the NRL so different. Rugby league plays faster and harder than rugby union, with fewer bodies on the field and fewer red cards. It also demands a special type of bet, as the odds may move quickly and the games can be very volatile in terms of momentum. 

Thanks to the league structure, with playoffs and grand finals, the season-long betting experience is exciting. Not only that but because the NRL is broadcast, there’s always analysis and stats to support your informed bets. 

Conclusion

If you are a rugby punter who wishes to bet on rugby or would just like to play around with different leagues, these five leagues are perfect for you. Each is distinctive – the rivalry of Premiership Rugby, the exuberance of Super Rugby or the hard-core strength of the NRL.

It’s not enough to just pick one, you have to know the game by studying the matches, reading the stats and understanding every detail in each league for your benefit. But never gamble rashly – that will keep you safe for the long haul and enable you to enjoy everything that betting has to offer.

So, get involved, get into the action and who knows? You might just get your big break in one of these premier rugby leagues. Good luck!