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. You can be assured all the big rugby this weekend will be previewed on this page.
Rugby Predictions for FRIDAY 22 May 2026
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Latest Betway Rugby odds
No Rugby odds available.1X2 Tips For Rugby Fixtures Today
Montpellier vs Ulster 1.36 odds
Tip 1: Montpellier to win
Reason for the tip: The European Challenge Cup final in Bilbao promises to be a thrilling clash as Montpellier take on Ulster in a battle between power and pace. The French side arrive with a star-studded lineup led by captain Billy Vunipola while experienced internationals such as Tom Banks, Ali Price and Arthur Vincent provide attacking quality across the park. Their powerful forward pack will look to dominate the collisions and create opportunities for the dangerous Donovan Taofifenua and Gabriel N’Gandebe out wide.
Ulster have arguably more to play for as a win not only gets them the title but also a place in the Champions Cup next season. They have shown resilience throughout the competition and possess plenty of firepower of their own. Nick Timoney captains a side packed with youthful energy and attacking flair with Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy tasked with controlling territory and tempo. Dangerous backs Mike Lowry and the returning Robert Baloucoune could punish Montpellier if space opens up in the wider channels. The breakdown battle between Lenni Nouchi and Timoney may prove decisive while the front-row contest should set the tone physically. This match is likely to go down to the wire but the strength of the French side will see them to a narrow win.
Rugby Handicap Betting
Handicap Betting Tips for Today
Waratahs vs Brumbies: Home team (+5.5)1.71 odds
Reason for tip: The Waratahs face a must-win match against Brumbies in a crucial Super Rugby clash with major playoff implications for both sides. The visitors enter the contest aiming to secure their top eight position and maintain momentum heading into the knockout rounds while the home side are fighting to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. The Waratahs will rely heavily on the excitement and pace of Max Jorgensen and Harry Potter in the backline while Jack Bowen and Teddy Wilson continue in the halfbacks after their impressive showing in the win over the Fijian Drua. Captain Matt Philip leads a forward pack that must match the physicality of a seasoned Brumbies outfit if the home side are to stay competitive.
The Brumbies once again look formidable up front with veterans Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper anchoring the scrum while Rob Valetini provides his usual power and aggression around the breakdown. Ryan Lonergan’s leadership at scrumhalf will be key as the visitors attempt to control possession and silence the home crowd. Out wide, Tom Wright and Corey Toole remain constant attacking threats capable of turning half-chances into points. The match will come down to a straight shootout between the youth of the home side and the experience of the visitors. I am backing the Waratahs to win and cover the +5.5 handicap.
Rugby fixtures this weekend
Accumulator of the Day
- Crusaders vs Chiefs- Home win
- Waratahs VS Brumbies- Home win
- Montpellier vs Ulster- Home win
Rugby Results Yesterday
- La Rochelle vs Toulon- Home win✅
- Sale Sharks vs Leicester Tigers- Home win❌
- France(W) vs England(W)- Away win✅
Rugby tomorrow
- Leinster vs Bordeaux
- Griquas vs Pumas
- Moana vs Reds
- Western Force vs Fijian Drua
- Hurricanes vs Highlanders
- Tokyo Sungoliath vs Black Rams
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.
