Our TopBets, rugby experts will provide you with the latest rugby predictions on rugby from across the globe. The emphasis will be on the major leagues like the United Rugby Championship (URC), Super Rugby and of course our very own local Currie Cup. All the major international tournaments such as the Rugby Championships and the Six Nations will also be covered with our team providing rugby betting tips. You can be assured all the big rugby this weekend will be previewed on this page.
Rugby Predictions for FRIDAY 24 April 2026
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Latest Betway Rugby odds
No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Edinburgh vs Sharks(Win)(1.57)
Tip 1: Sharks to win
Reason for the tip: Edinburgh host the Sharks in what should be an exciting URC encounter, with both sides basically playing for pride as they have no realistic hope of qualifying for the playoffs. The Scottish outfit will rely on a dangerous backline featuring Darcy Graham and Mosese Tuipulotu who are both capable of breaking the game open. Captain Grant Gilchrist leads a hardworking pack while Pierre Schoeman and Ewan Ashman provide a solid platform up front. Young flyhalf Cammy Scott will have the responsibility of steering the attack and managing territory. The home side will be looking for a fast start to counter the strength of the visitor’s bench.
The Sharks arrive with a powerful and experienced squad, headlined by captain Andre Esterhuizen in midfield and the ever-dangerous Makazole Mapimpi out wide. Jaden Hendrikse brings control and tempo at scrumhalf while the loose forward trio of the Tshituka brothers and Phepsi Buthelezi offers physicality and mobility. Crucially, the Sharks bench is stacked with Springbok quality, including Ox Nche, Vincent Koch and Siya Kolisi, which could prove decisive in the latter stages. The visitors will be looking to be within touching distance of the visitors going into the last quarter as I am backing their bench to take them to victory.
Cardiff(WIN)1.67 vs Ospreys
Tip 1: Cardiff to win
Reason for the tip: The Welsh derby between Cardiff and Ospreys promises a physical and fiercely contested URC clash, with the home side chasing a playoff spot while the visitors are looking to spoil the party. Cardiff appear well-balanced, with captain Liam Belcher anchoring the front row and a mobile back row featuring Taine Basham and Dan Thomas. The halfback pairing of Callum Sheedy and Johan Mulder will be crucial in dictating tempo while Ben Thomas offers creativity in midfield.
Ospreys counter with a powerful and abrasive pack led by Jac Morgan whose influence at the breakdown and in open play is immense. Morgan Morris adds go-forward from the base, and the midfield pairing of Owen Watkin and Keiran Williams brings directness and defensive solidity. Flyhalf Dan Edwards will aim to control territory with a smart kicking game. This game is likely to be decided up front with both teams evenly matched in this department Cardiff’s ability to move the ball wide could test Ospreys’ defensive structure and will eventually be the key to steering them to a narrow victory.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Racing 92 vs Stade Francais (+11.5)
Reason for tip:French giants Racing 92 face city rivals Stade Français in a high-intensity Top 14 Paris derby, with pride and crucial league points at stake. The hosts come into this clash with several changes to their starting XV which could impact cohesion but also inject fresh energy. Gaël Fickou remains the key figure in midfield, providing leadership and defensive organisation while the inclusion of Josua Tuisova adds explosive power and line-breaking ability. In the pack, the likes of Ibrahim Diallo and Romain Taofifénua from the bench offer physical impact while Teddy Rowlands’ inclusion strengthens the second row.
Stade Français, meanwhile, will look to capitalise on any disruption. Sekou Macalou is a standout in the loose trio, bringing pace and breakdown menace while Jeremy Ward and Paul Gabrillagues’ physical presence up front will aim to challenge Racing’s set piece. In the backs, Sefanaia Naivalu and Lester Etien offer attacking spark, while Leo Barré and Tawera Kerr-Barlow on the bench provide valuable experience and control late in the game. Derbies are often unpredictable and are usually close fixtures therefore I am backing the visitors to cover the +11.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Edinburgh vs Sharks- Away win
- Cardiff vs Ospreys- Home win
- Zebre vs Dragons- Away win
- Newcastle vs Bristol Bears- Away win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- Sale Sharks vs Saracens- Away win✅
- Racing 92 vs Stade Francais- Home win✅
Rugby tomorrow
- Blues vs Reds
- Lions vs Connacht
- Stormers vs Glasgow
- Scarlets vs Bulls
- Saracens vs Leicester
- Bordeaux vs Montpellier
- Munster vs Ulster
- Benetton vs Leinster
Understanding Rugby Betting
It is crucial that players understand the different types of rugby betting. If a player places a wager on a handicap bet with fully understanding it, he could think they won the bet but instead they lost the bet as they did not understand how it works. Our rugby predictions will give you the option of the three way bet or the handicap betting as our previews will focus on this.
Different types of Rugby bets
Match Winner
The most self-explanatory of bets to take on a rugby match. This is the most common and oldest type of rugby bet in which you select Team A or Team B to win. The odds on this type of bet may be low especially if your team is the favourite.
Draw No Bet
The draw is quite rare in Rugby Union, but it does happen from time to time. If you’re worried about the draw messing up your bet then take a Draw No Bet market. Your bet will be refunded if the match result ends in a draw.
Handicap Betting
The most popular bets on rugby are handicap bets. This is often where some of the best value is to be found. The handicap is an advantage that bookmakers give one team to make the game more balanced. The team given the positive handicap can win, draw or lose the game by less than the handicap to cover the bet and win. The team with the negative handicap must win the match by more than the points set out in the handicap to win their bet.
Total points over/under
The over/under betting market involves predicting whether the total number of points scored in a match will be above or lower than a certain predetermined number. For instance, if you bet on the over/under 50 points market and you bet on under, the combined score of the two teams shouldn’t exceed 50.
First Try Scorer
Rugby fans know the excitement that comes when a player breaks through the defence to score the first try. Betting on the first-try scorer is about predicting which player from either team will cross the try line first. This bet type carries higher odds as it’s challenging to predict, making potential payouts more lucrative.
Anytime Try Scorer
Less specific than the first-try scorer bet, the anytime try scorer wager involves picking a player you believe will score a try at any point during the match. The odds are typically lower than for the first-try scorer but offer a better chance of a payout.
FAQs
1 How long is a game of rugby?
A game of rugby is 80 minutes
2. How many players are there on a rugby team?
There are 15 players a side except in Rugby 7s where there are 5 players a side.
3. Where to watch rugby live?
Most of the rugby matches in South Africa can be watched live on Supersport. Betting sites like Betway and WSB offer live streaming on selected matches.
4. How to stream live rugby in South Africa for free?
Rugby Pass offers free streaming of selected matches.
