Top players return to Irish Rugby

This weekend finally sees the climax of the Rugby World Cup, with the hosts New Zealand taking on France in what most observers consider will be a very one sided final. The recent success of the Irish provincial sides in the Heineken Cup, and the strength of the national team in the Six Nations has boosted the interest in gambling on rugby in Ireland, but it is difficult to see many Irish rugby fans gambling on a French victory, even at odds of 13/2 being offered by Paddy Power. Rugby gambling interest is more likely to concentrate on the resumption of the Rabo Direct Pro 12 league, particularly with the return of the top players from the world cup. Ospreys appear to have benefited most from the absence of these players, and are currently top having not yet lost a match, but with Munster second and Leinster third the rest of the season could yet see Ospreys caught. Both Munster and Leinster kick off the second part of the season with games against the bottom sides on the weekend of the 28^th and 29^th October, but rugby gambling fans are already looking forward to the big match on Friday 4^th November when these two top Irish sides meet at the Aviva Stadium. Many Irish rugby fans are already gambling that these two sides will be contesting the Grand Final at the end of the season. Ospreys are currently favourites for the Regular Season honours having made such a good start, but rugby gambling fans who believe that Leinster or Munster can overhaul them can get 11/5 and 9/4 respectively at Paddy Power. November also sees the start of the group games in the Heineken Cup, and Paddy Power have already installed Leinster as favourites for this competition at 4/1, with Munster fourth favourite at 8/1. Gambling on Irish rugby has never been stronger so let’s hope for another great season.