Rugby World Cup Build-Up: Teams, Form, and Betting Outlook

The Rugby World Cup is a key international competition for rugby players. It attracts many fans who prefer this sport to traditional football. This sport is considered very physical, so players use various techniques to get the ball. The situation on the field can change at any moment, just like in the popular game Aviatrix.

Next, we will look at how preparations for the Rugby World Cup are going and which teams can participate in it.

Rugby and Its Rules

Today, rugby is understood to be a contact sport in which teams compete against each other. Interestingly, there are several types of rugby under this general name, such as rugby sevens and rugby league. The most popular is traditional rugby, which is played in different countries.

The basic rules of rugby are presented in the table below.

Rule	Description
Match duration	2 halves of 40 minutes each. The break between halves can be from 5 to 10 minutes.
Number of players per team	There are 15 players on a team, 8 of whom play as forwards and 7 as defenders. There are also 7 players on the bench.
Playing field	Rugby is played on a grass field measuring 100×70 meters. Outside these dimensions is a non-playing area.
Ball position on the field	The main goal of the game is to score points while on the opponent’s half of the field. Points are scored when the ball is in the scoring zone, when the ball is kicked into the goal while being carried, or when a drop goal is scored.

How Do You Prepare for the Rugby World Cup?

The Rugby World Cup is held every four years. After intense competition, the winning team receives the Webb Ellis Cup trophy. The event is organized by the international organization World Rugby. The last rugby competition was held in 2023 in France, where the South African team won. The next competition for the Cup will be held in Australia in 2027.

Since the last competition, there have been some changes. Now, 24 teams are expected to participate instead of 20. The tournament is expected to start in the fall and last for six weeks (from October 1 to November 13). The teams will compete in groups:

•  the first 6 groups will consist of 4 teams each;
•  before the quarterfinals, an ⅛ final will be added for the two best teams from each group to compete against each other.

As World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said:

“The decision to expand the 2027 Rugby World Cup to 24 teams is logical and the right thing to do. Underpinned by a new global calendar that increases certainty and opportunity, we are focused on raising standards, closing the gaps, and creating a spectacle that fans demand to see. With its love of sport and major events, Australia is the perfect place to do just that.”

Team Distribution: What is Known in 2026

As previously agreed, 24 teams will participate in the competition. This will give players more opportunities to prove themselves and try to win the top prize. Six groups of four teams each were formed by drawing lots:

•  In Group A, the rivals are Hong Kong, New Zealand, Chile, and Australia.
•  Group B includes Romania, South Africa, Georgia, and Italy.
•  Group C consists of Canada, Argentina, Spain, and Fiji.
•  Group D included teams from Portugal, Ireland, Uruguay, and Scotland.
•  Group E included Samoa, France, the USA, and Japan.
•  Group F had a very colorful mix of countries: Zimbabwe, Tonga, England, and Wales.

An additional round has been added – the ⅛ finals. This became necessary due to the increase in the number of participants. Only 16 teams will participate in this round, which will be distributed according to merit and points earned. The teams that take first and second place in their groups will be mandatory participants. Also, the four teams with the highest points that took third place will advance to the playoffs.

Rugby Betting

Betting on rugby matches requires attention and understanding of the game. You need to know how many players are on the field, the main nuances of their movements, and possible mistakes. This approach will help you place bets with the maximum chance of winning. In addition, you need to take into account external factors that affect the outcome of the match:

•  weather conditions – rain or wind can negatively affect the outcome, as they prevent players from moving quickly;
•  injuries to key players – any injuries reduce mobility and lead to mistakes in the game;
•  fatigue – long matches without rest significantly reduce the physical abilities of players.

These rules apply to all rugby championships, including the Rugby World Cup. That is why it is very important to correctly assess the game situation and place appropriate bets. At the same time, it is necessary to remember about balance in life and not make gambling the main focus. It is important to remember the principles of responsible gaming.