Another URC season is upon us, and that means eight games a week for punters to sink their teeth into. In this blog, we’ll keep an eye on all things betting-related, as well as suggesting a bet or two in each game.
Bet: Munster v Glasgow Warriors
Posted 26 September 14h49
2 units (1–5): Over 46.5 points at 0.92/1 with PokerBet
There has been plenty of support for Glasgow during the week. Having started as slight underdogs, they are now favourites by around 3.5 to 4.5 points. I fancy Glasgow could win fairly comfortably, but my bet here is on the total points.
There is a chance of showers, and the game could become an arm wrestle. On the other hand, last night’s Ulster v Edinburgh match showed how an opening-week fixture can open up. The line of 46.5 is enough to tempt me.
I already have money on Cardiff to beat Scarlets and Zebre to upset the Bulls. There has been little change in those markets: Scarlets are now +2.5 against Cardiff, while Zebre are between +9.5 and +11.5 against the Bulls.
Bet: Sharks v Ospreys
Posted 26 September 11h10
1 unit (1–5): Sharks to win by 1–12 points inclusive at 37/20 with Betxchange
The Sharks’ handicap has shortened from -12.5 to -10.5, while the total points line is set at 53.5. Conditions look good in Durban, although humidity around 80% makes me nervous about an overs play.
I quite like the pack Ospreys have selected. The Sharks’ back line could be exciting, but it remains to be seen whether they will get enough quality ball. I lean towards Ospreys on the handicap while still expecting the Sharks to win, so I’m settling on the 1–12 margin. I’m unlikely to get further involved in this match.
Bet: Lions v Leinster
Posted 26 September 10h22
2 units (1–5): Lions -4.5 at 0.88/1 with PokerBet
Lions +6.5 was available before the teams were announced. Having missed that early line, it is difficult to reset without feeling that the boat has sailed.
The total points line of 57.5 looks fairly well set. I think this Lions team can open with a win, and I’m backing them to do so by five points or more.
Three From Three on URC Opening Night
Posted 26 Sep 09h55
The Stormers unders and the Dragons/Edinburgh double landed on Friday night as did the newsletter treble and that has me keen to get involved in Saturdays action.
Here are the updated handicaps for Saturday’s matches, with bets to follow.
Lions -5.5 v Leinster, Points 57.5
Sharks -10.5 v Ospreys
Munster +2.5 v Glasgow Warriors
Zebre +11.5 v Bulls, Points 52.5
Scarlets +1.5 v Cardiff Rugby
Bet: Zebre v Bulls
Posted 25 September 09h29
1 unit (1–5): Zebre to win at 4.25/1 with World Sports Betting
There has been some money for Zebre, with their start shortening from +10.5 to +9.5.
Looking at this Bulls team, I think the home side can give a good account of themselves. I may get further involved once the points markets become available, but for now I’m keeping my stake low and backing the Italian side to pull off an upset.
Bet: Connacht v Stormers
Posted 25 September 08h27
2 units (1–5): Under 49.5 points at 9/10 with PokerBet
The first handicap I saw for this game was Connacht -3.5, and following the team announcements, the line has moved out a couple of points to -5.5.
Both sides are missing players, and I find myself drawn to the points market, where the line is set at 49.5.
There is some rain and wind forecast and, with this being an early-season match, I’m hoping both teams lack cohesion and we get a scrappy encounter.
Bet: A Friday night double
Posted 25 September 07h50
1 unit (1–5): Edinburgh +12.5 at 0.87 and Dragons +9.5 at 0.86 – double at total odds of 2.47 with PokerBet
In their wisdom, the URC organisers once again have three matches kicking off at the same time on Friday night. I’m becoming a bit of a stuck record on this subject, but I simply cannot understand why they continue to do it.
My main focus will be on Connacht v Stormers, but I’m taking an interest double on the other two matches.
Ulster are currently 12.5-point favourites against Edinburgh. Both teams are missing plenty of players, but Ulster in particular look weak. On Thursday night’s rugby betting show, The Admiral felt the Edinburgh pack could get the upper hand, so I’m adding Edinburgh +12.5 to the double.
Benetton are 9.5-point favourites against the Dragons. I’m looking for the visitors to build on what was a solid season last year and push Benetton close.
The total-points line for both matches is 49.5. Conditions look good for the Benetton game, while there could be some rain in Belfast. If these matches were kicking off separately, I would probably get involved in the points markets, but I’ll most likely leave it at this double.
Bet: Scarlets v Cardiff
Posted 24 September 22h44
3 units (1–5): Cardiff to win at 10/11 with BetExchange
This may be the final game of the weekend, but it is where I’m getting my first bet down after The Admiral showed plenty of confidence in Cardiff on Thursday night’s rugby betting show.
Cardiff had a good season last year despite appointing their relatively unknown South African coach very late. In the Admiral’s opinion, they are also one of only three teams who have managed to strengthen their squads during the off-season.
I suspect the market could move in Cardiff’s favour, so I’m getting my money down now.
A few important links & betting moves
Posted 24 Sep 20h34
Teams have been announced and are available this page on the URC website
The Handicap our rugby betting show is live at 21h00 - click here to watch on You Tube
My free weekly betting newsletter wiill be out tomorrow morning
Click here to join the Goodforthegame URC Superbru Pool
Below are the latest handicaps following team news:
Benetton Treviso -9.5 v Dragons, total points 49.5 – unchanged
Connacht -5.5 v Stormers – Connacht have moved out another point from -4.5
Ulster -11.5 v Edinburgh – Ulster have moved out one point from -10.5
Lions -3.5 v Leinster – the major market move, with the Lions shifting from 6.5-point underdogs to 3.5-point favourites
Sharks -12.5 v Ospreys – unchanged
Zebre +9.5 v Bulls – Zebre’s start has shortened by one point from +10.5
Munster +1.5 v Glasgow Warriors – unchanged
Scarlets -0.5 v Cardiff Rugby – unchanged
The standout move is unquestionably at Ellis Park. The Lions have moved through favouritism, with the handicap swinging ten points since the previous update.
Latest URC Week 1 handicaps
Posted 23 September 08h49
There has been very little movement since the opening handicaps were released, with six of the eight lines remaining unchanged.
Benetton Treviso -9.5 v Dragons – unchanged
Connacht -4.5 v Stormers – Connacht have moved out one point from -3.5
Ulster -10.5 v Edinburgh – unchanged
Lions +6.5 v Leinster – unchanged
Sharks -12.5 v Ospreys – unchanged
Zebre +10.5 v Bulls – unchanged
Munster +1.5 v Glasgow Warriors – Glasgow have moved from 0.5-point underdogs to 1.5-point favourites
Scarlets -0.5 v Cardiff Rugby – unchanged
Teams are due out later today.
Handicaps are up!
Posted 21 Sep 13h41
Here are the early lines @betxchange
Benetton Treviso -9.5 v Dragons
Connacht -3.5 v Stormers
Ulster -10.5 v Edinburgh
Lions +6.5 v Leinster
Sharks -12.5 v Ospreys
Zebre +10.5 v Bulls
Munster -0.5 v Glasgow Warriors
Scarlets -0.5 v Cardiff Rugby
Teams to be announced 2pm Thursdays
Posted 21 Sep 09h12
I’ve always been frustrated by URC team news often only being released on a Friday for the Saturday matches. This has made discussing the games on The Handicap quite tricky and has often delayed the weekly newsletter.
The good news is that, from this season, teams will be announced at 2 p.m. on Thursdays. This should give the markets time to settle before we discuss the weekend’s matches.
Last season
Glasgow Warriors topped the log last season, with Leinster finishing second. Leinster, however, went on to win the tournament, hammering the Bulls 36–7 in the final in Dublin.
2026/27 outright betting – Prices available at Sportingbet
- Leinster – 11/8
- Bulls – 7/2
- Glasgow Warriors – 4/1
- Stormers – 9/2
- Munster – 12/1
- Ulster – 16/1
- Sharks – 25/1
- Lions – 33/1
- Connacht – 50/1
The balance of the teams are available at 80/1 or better.
WEEK 1 FIXTURES
Friday 25 September
- Benetton v Dragons RFC – 20h45 – Stadio Monigo
- Connacht v DHL Stormers – 20h45 – Dexcom Stadium
- Ulster v Edinburgh – 20h45 – Affidea Stadium
Saturday 26 September
- Lions v Leinster – 13h30 – 10bet Ellis Park
- Hollywoodbets Sharks v Ospreys – 16h00 – Hollywoodbets Kings Park
- Munster v Glasgow Warriors – 18h30 – Thomond Park
- Zebre Parma v Vodacom Bulls – 18h30 – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
- Scarlets v Cardiff Rugby – 20h45 – Parc y Scarlets
All kick-off times are South African.
I will be having a go at handicapping the matches before the bookmakers release their lines, but for Week 1 I’m going to take more of a watching brief.
What is interesting is that Leinster are bringing their Irish internationals to South Africa. That very seldom happens and usually depends on what stage of the season they make their South African tour. Their opening game against the Lions should be a cracker.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Please bet responsibly.
