Betting on the United Rugby Championship
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United Rugby Championship (Betting Guide)

Apr 16, 2024

All you need to know about betting on the BKT United Rugby Championship. From who the favourites are to the best bookies to bet with, this article covers it.

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Nick Albert
Betting Site Expert

United Rugby Championship Betting

This weekend sees the fifth round of games played in the 2023-24 edition of the United Rugby Championship.

In this article we show you latest match betting odds and the tournament favourites are according to the bookies. We also highlight the best betting sites for betting on the competition.

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The United Rugby Championship (URC) Explained

The United Rugby Championship (URC), held annually since 2001, features professional teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales. It’s the highest level of domestic club rugby in each competing nation.

Originally, the competition began with professional teams from the Celtic nations (Ireland, Scotland and Wales) featuring only.

But the addition of teams from Italy and, most recently, from South Africa’s former Super Rugby teams, has seen the format and number of participating teams change frequently since the championship started.

How does the URC work?

The championship is played over 18 rounds of matches with the 16 competing teams split into four ‘Geographical pools’ (one Irish pool, one Welsh pool, one South African pool, one Italian and Scottish pool).

Each club plays six matches in their respective pools, one home and one away. And then a further twelve fixtures against clubs not in its geo. Results from all of the games are entered into a league table format.

The teams positioned one and eight in the league standings advance to the Final Series Stage. Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and a Grand Final are played to determine the winner of the URC.

In a change to the qualification method for the 2023/24 season, the top eight-ranked teams will qualify for the Champions Cup.

In previous seasons, the top side in each of the regional pools (Regional Shield Winner) was awarded a place in the Champions Cup, along with the top four ranked clubs in the league.

But the Geographical element has now been scrapped, with European qualification now achieved on merit.

Wasn't the United Rugby Championship called something else?

Yes. Due to sponsorship agreements, the competition’s name has also been altered several times - it has been called the Magners League, the Guinness Pro 12 and the Guinness Pro 14.

However, from the 2021/2022 season, the competition has been known as the United Rugby Championship.

Different sponsorship deals in the competing nations mean it's known as the Vodacom United Rugby Championship in South Africa and the BKT United Rugby Championship in the other competing nations.

United Rugby Championship Odds

United Rugby Championship Betting Odds

Friday 17th November 2023

Saturday 18th November 2023

    Leinster vs Munster Betting Odds

    Leinster vs Munster is scheduled for Saturday 25th November.

    Check back with us closer to the game to view the latest odds.

    Munster vs Leinster Betting Odds

    Munster vs Leinster is scheduled for Tuesday 26th December.

    Check back with us closer to the game to view the latest odds.

    United Rugby Championship - Grand Final Winner Odds (Best price)

    Leinster - 8/13 with SkyBet
    Munster - 6/1 with Bet365
    Stormers - 13/2 with Unibet
    Bulls - 12/1 with Coral
    Ulster - 12/1 with Betfair
    Sharks - 25/1 with LiveScore Bet

    The top two contenders to win the Grand Final are last year’s winners, Munster, and, Leinster, winners of this competition on eight previous occasions.

    The two former Super 14 teams, the Stormers and the Sharks are also in the running, according to the top Irish betting sites.

    United Rugby Championship 2023/24 Grand Final Winner

    Best bookmakers for betting on the United Rugby Championship

    Our top-rated rugby betting sites do a terrific job of covering the many competitions taking place internationally and domestically. But that can pose a problem if you’re trying to pick one to hang your hat on.

    Fear not, though, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 options, taking into account the factors we consider to rank and compare rugby betting sites, such as the variety of markets, betting features and existing customer promotions.

    Bookies Best for Betting on BKT United Rugby Championship

    1. BoyleSports
    2. Bet365
    3. Ladbrokes
    4. Betway
    5. LiveScore Bet
    6. Coral
    7. BetVictor
    8. Novibet
    9. Betfair
    10. Sky Bet

    🏉 BoyleSports

    Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker is a big hit with Irish rugby fans with its superb coverage of international and domestic competitions, including the URC.

    Punters can take advantage of several existing customer promotions with BoyleSports’ Early Payout offer (which sees your bet paid as a winner if the team you back is winning by 14 points) easily one of the best.

    BoyleSports is also well stocked with markets for every game including Handicap and Over/Under lines.

    🏉 Bet365

    Remember that kid at school who was good at everything? Well, that’s what Bet365 are like when it comes to online betting.

    Like their football and racing coverage, Bet365 covers rugby expertly with the widest range of markets of all the betting sites in Ireland and some top-notch promotions to boot.

    Like BoyleSports, Bet365 also run with an Early Payout offer, paying out on bets if your team has gone 15 points ahead at any stage.

    Using Bet365’s bet builder to create your personalised bet meanwhile adds to what is, overall, a superb betting experience.

    🏉 Ladbrokes

    At Ladbrokes, you can take advantage of frequent odds boosts for the biggest fixtures and pick from a truckload of markets (including handicap, try scorer, points, and half markets).

    If you’re into statistics to help your betting, Ladbrokes also have you covered with player and team stats on tap.

    The trusted British bookie is also a great option if you’re looking for a great value sign-up offer. Simply deposit and bet just €5 and you will get 4 x €5 free bets back as a reward.

    FAQS

    Who are the favourites to win the United Rugby Championship?

    Leinster are the bookies favourites to win the United Rugby Championship as of November 17th.

    Reigning champions, Munster, are the next likely team to win the URC according to Irish bookies.

    You can check the latest odds for the outright winner of the United Rugby Championship here.

    Which Irish bookies are best for betting on the URC Championship?

    Based on our experience of using each site, we reckon BoyleSports, Bet365 and Ladbrokes are the best options.

    But that's not to say they are the only options. Here's our full list of bookmakers that are best for betting on the United Rugby Championship.

    When does the URC start?

    The first round of games of the the United Rugby Championship are played on the weekend of 20/21 October.

    When do Munster play Leinster in the United Rugby Championship?

    Munster and Leinster first play each other on Friday November 24 at the Aviva Stadium.

    The return fixture will be played at Thomond Park on 26 December.

    When are most of the URC games played?

    Normally, on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the weekends designated for the competition.

    What is My Betting Sites Ireland?

    My Betting Sites Ireland is an independent review website that reviews and compares the best betting sites. Our goal is to help Irish punters find great bookies and offers. All the online bookmakers we feature have great reputations and are licensed by the Revenue Commissioners, making them safe and secure. Get in touch to find out more! Happy betting and please gamble responsibly.

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