Rugby has moved up the ranks in the Philippines over the years. Residents can participate in legal Philippines rugby betting through both domestic and offshore means. The sport has been around for some time now and gained more popularity throughout its lifespan. It is considered a minor sport in the Philippines but is still a part of the betting spectrum nevertheless.
This page was developed exclusively for Filipino bettors and has information on the local rugby scene and how to legally wager on it. You will find materials on sites hosting legal rugby betting options for Philippines residents, the legal framework for sports gambling, and more.
Best Online Sportsbooks For Legally Betting On Rugby In The Philippines
If you are looking for legal online Philippines rugby betting options, you’ve come to the right place. Our team has compiled a list of the best available sites that Filipinos can access.
Our online inspection process ensures the presence of legal licensing credentials, regulatory standards, rugby betting lines, wagering type variance, strong security features, customer service contacts, mobile/live betting capabilities, and bonuses.
Residents are allowed to use offshore Philippine legal sports betting sites as the site is operating legally and regulated by a legitimate governing jurisdiction. The following list represents premium legal rugby betting sites accepting Filipino bettors.
| Site Name | Bonus Offer | Age | Accepts Filipinos? | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ |  | Visit Site Review |
 | Up To 7 BTC | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
 | 50% Max $1,000 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
 | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
 | 100% Max $500 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
Is It Legal To Bet On Rugby In The Philippines?
Yes. Sports betting is considered a legal gambling form as there are no Philippine gambling laws prohibiting it. Residents can bet on basketball, soccer, tennis, boxing, sabong, rugby and numerous other sporting categories through domestic or offshore channels. Domestic options include PAGCOR-run operations such as sportsbooks within gaming houses and brick-and-mortar kiosks.
Residents can utilize MegaSportsWorld, an online betting venture that also supports mobile wagering. MSW is part of the PAGCOR brand, but participation in online MSW betting is limited to players aged 21-plus, and they must also enjoy established "VIP" financial status. This leaves most Filipino gamblers out.
Offshore sportsbooks are another legal option as long as they are licensed and regulated. These online betting destinations often provide a more comprehensive betting experience. You will find more betting selections from international sports as well as more wagering types. These sites have grown increasingly popular over the years.
How Did Rugby Get To The Philippines?
Rugby made its way here the same way most other popular sports did—it was introduced by foreigners. While Americans brought over baseball and tennis, rugby was initially introduced by people of British, Australian, and New Zealand descent.
These foreign players also helped form the governing body for rugby games in the Philippines, known as the Philippine Rugby Football Union. This association was formed in 1998 and didn’t make much of an impact for several years. The initial goal was to regulate competitions, tournaments, and the development of the sport within the country.
Philippine Rugby Gains Traction
The Volcanoes, as the Philippine national rugby union team is known, made their international debut at the 2006 ARFU Asian Rugby Series. They won their first match against Guam but failed to qualify after a loss to Pakistan. 2008 was a huge year for the program, as the PRFU was officially accepted into the International Rugby Board, the governing body for world rugby.
That year, the Volcanoes decimated the competition in their division of the ARFU Asian 5 Nations Series and won the title. Their largest ever win came that year against Brunei, where the final score was 101-0.
The team went on to compete over the next few years in various competitions. In 2012, they went undefeated against Taiwan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka to qualify for the main division in the Asian 5 Nations Division 1 tournament. This was their highest berth yet. 2013 was not as much of a good year for the Volcanoes, as they had several losses in the 2013 Asian 5 Nations tournament.
You can wager on the Volcanoes through offshore sportsbooks hosting legal online Philippines rugby betting lines. Geolocation technology will help filter your betting line options to what is close to you, meaning that you should see options for Volcano games when they are competing. Since they are not that strong of a team, betting options may not be as prevalent, but you can still find international rugby lines with little trouble.
How Did The Philippines National Rugby Team Get Their Name?
The name “Volcanoes” can be traced back to the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment that fought under the command of the US Army. The squad was a mixture of native Filipinos and foreigners, which the rugby team felt was similar to their situation at the time. Their volcano insignia is a representation of where the infantry division was stationed.
Facts About The Volcanoes
- The Volcanoes play at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and the Philippine Sports Stadium
- Their coach is Jarred Hodges.
- Captain Almer Magnabe has the record for the top scorer (161) and most tries (13)
- Jake Letts has the most caps (22).
- Their largest win came against Brunei in 2008 (101-0) and their largest defeat came in 2013 against Japan (0-121).
- They have never appeared in a Rugby World Cup.
PRFU Rugby Clubs
Domestic rugby takes place through multiple clubs scattered throughout the Philippines. There is also a school circuit. Interested parties can contact the PRFU to get their club or school in the local rugby circuit.
Many schools have included rugby in their curriculum. Check our recommended licensed offshore sportsbooks hosting legal betting for Philippines rugby to see if they include your favorite local team. We’ve listed the current PRFU clubs below:
- Eagles RFC
- Albay Vulcans
- Negros Rugby Club
- Baguio Highlanders
- Cagayan De Oro Rugby Club
- Ceby Dragons & Lady Dragons
- Santos Knight Frank Mavericks
- Clark Jets Rugby Club
- Davao Durians Rugby Club
- La Liga Rugby Club
- Manila Nomads Rugby Club
- Manila Hapons
- Makati Chiefs
- Miriam College
- Subic Sharks
- QCPU Rugby
- Dadiangas Generals Rugby Football Club
- Palawan Rugby