What Is an Anytime Try Scorer Bet in Rugby?
An anytime try scorer is a betting market where you wager on whether a specific player will score a try at any point during a rugby match. Unlike first try scorer or last try scorer bets, which require your selected player to score at a particular moment in the game, the anytime market simply requires them to cross the try line at least once during the 80 minutes of regulation play.
This market has become one of the most popular player proposition bets in rugby betting. It appeals to both novice and experienced bettors because it offers a more achievable outcome than trying to predict the exact timing of a try. When you back a player as an anytime try scorer, you're essentially betting on their ability to score at any moment—whether that's in the opening minutes or the final moments before the final whistle.
The beauty of anytime try scorer betting lies in its simplicity and accessibility. You don't need to predict match flow, momentum shifts, or tactical changes. You simply need to believe your chosen player will find the try line at some point during the match.
Why Anytime Try Scorer Is Different from Other Try Scorer Markets
The rugby betting market offers several try scorer variants, each with distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed betting decisions.
Anytime try scorer gives your selected player the entire 80 minutes to score. This makes it statistically more likely to happen than first or last try scorer bets. Because the event is less restrictive and more probable, the odds are correspondingly lower. For example, if a prolific winger has odds of 7.00 to score first, they might have odds of 2.50 to score anytime.
First try scorer bets require your player to score the opening try of the match. This is significantly more difficult because only one player can score first, and early tries often come from unexpected sources or tactical plays. The odds for first try scorer are typically 3-4 times higher than anytime odds for the same player.
Last try scorer bets require your player to score the final try of the match. This is equally unpredictable because it depends on match momentum, team strategy, and which players are still on the field in the closing stages. Last try scorer odds are also much higher than anytime odds.
No try scorer bets wager that no tries will be scored in the match—a rare outcome in modern rugby but occasionally available at major bookmakers.
The fundamental difference is probability. Anytime try scorer has the highest probability of winning (all else being equal), which is why it offers the lowest odds. This trade-off between accessibility and reward is what makes anytime try scorer such a popular choice for consistent, lower-risk rugby betting.
How Do Anytime Try Scorer Bets Work? A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Placing Your Bet
When you decide to back a player as an anytime try scorer, the process is straightforward. You navigate to your bookmaker's rugby betting section, find the specific match you're interested in, and locate the anytime try scorer market. Most major bookmakers display this prominently alongside other player prop markets.
You then select your chosen player from the available list. The bookmaker will display their current odds, which reflect their perceived probability of scoring based on factors like recent form, position, and opposition strength. You enter your stake and confirm your bet. Your bet slip will clearly show "Anytime Try Scorer" alongside the player's name and odds.
The odds you receive at the time of placement are locked in. If you bet at 2.50 and the odds subsequently shorten to 2.20, you still get 2.50 if your bet wins. Conversely, if odds lengthen to 3.00, you still only get 2.50.
Settlement and Winning Conditions
Your anytime try scorer bet settles after the final whistle of the match. A try is awarded when a player places the ball on or over the try line. The try must be scored during the 80 minutes of regulation play, including injury time added by the referee.
For your bet to win, your selected player simply needs to score one try. If they score multiple tries, your bet still wins—you don't receive additional winnings for multiple tries (unless you've specifically backed a "brace" or "hat-trick" market). The settlement is binary: either they scored at least one try (win) or they didn't (loss).
Official statistics come from the match governing body or the official broadcaster. In rugby union, Sky Sports and the official union bodies provide definitive scoring records. In rugby league, the NRL or Super League official records are used.
What Happens If Your Player Doesn't Play?
This is where many bettors encounter confusion. The rules vary slightly between bookmakers, but the general principle is consistent: your player must participate in the match for the bet to stand.
If your selected player is named in the starting 15 (rugby union) or 13 (rugby league) but is withdrawn before kickoff due to injury, most bookmakers will void your bet and return your stake. If the player is named on the bench and comes on as a substitute, your bet stands as long as they participate at any point during the match.
However, some bookmakers offer Insurebet variations where if your player fails to score the first try but does score a try during the match, you receive your stake back instead of losing it. This is a more favorable version of the market and is worth seeking out when available.
What Are the Official Rules for Anytime Try Scorer Bets?
Time Frame and Match Duration
The critical rule to understand is that anytime try scorer bets cover only 80 minutes of regulation play. This includes injury time added by the referee at the end of each half, but it does NOT include extra time.
In cup competitions where matches go to extra time (such as the Challenge Cup in rugby league or playoff matches), any tries scored during extra time do not count for anytime try scorer bets. This is an important distinction that catches many bettors off guard, particularly in knockout competitions.
For rugby 7s, the same 80-minute rule applies, though matches are shorter and faster-paced. If a 7s match goes to sudden-death extra time, tries in that period do not count for settlement purposes.
Penalty shoot-outs in rugby league (if applicable) do not count. The settlement is based solely on tries scored during the 80 minutes of regulation play.
Do Penalty Tries Count?
A penalty try is awarded by the referee when a defending player commits an infringement that prevents what would have been a certain try. Rather than allowing play to continue, the referee awards the attacking team a try directly, worth five points.
For first try scorer and last try scorer bets, penalty tries explicitly do NOT count. This is stated clearly in official betting rules from major bookmakers like Sky Bet and Betfair. The reasoning is that a penalty try is not actually scored by a player—it's awarded by the referee as a penalty.
For anytime try scorer bets, the rule is the same: penalty tries do NOT count toward your bet. Your selected player must physically ground the ball across the try line in open play (or from a set piece like a scrum or lineout) for it to count. This is an important distinction because it means a player could potentially be on the field when a penalty try is awarded, and it wouldn't contribute to your anytime try scorer bet.
Substitution and Participation Rules
Your selected player must be named in the squad and participate in the match for the bet to stand. There are two scenarios:
Named in the starting XV/XIII: If your player is named to start but is withdrawn before kickoff due to injury, the bet is void and your stake is returned. If they start and are subsequently substituted off during the match, your bet stands—they had the opportunity to score and the bet was active.
Named on the bench: If your player is named as a substitute and comes on during the match, your bet stands. They only need to participate for a moment; they don't need to play the full 80 minutes.
Not named at all: If your player is not named in the squad, the bet is void. This can happen if a player is injured, suspended, or simply not selected by the coach.
The key principle is that the player must have been given the opportunity to play. Once they've entered the field, your bet is active for the remainder of the match.
Match Abandonment and Postponement
If a match is postponed before kickoff, most bookmakers will void the bet and return your stake. Bets typically stand for 48 hours from the original scheduled kickoff time. If the match hasn't started within that window, the bet is void.
If a match starts but is abandoned mid-play (due to weather, injury, or other circumstances), the settlement depends on the official result. If the governing body declares an official result (which happens in most cases after a certain point in the match), that result stands and bets are settled accordingly. If no official result is declared, all bets are void unless their outcome was already determined at the point of abandonment.
Anytime Try Scorer vs First Try Scorer: What's the Real Difference?
Odds and Probability
The most visible difference between anytime and first try scorer is the odds. Let's use a concrete example: imagine a leading rugby union winger with excellent form and a strong team.
- First try scorer odds: 6.00
- Anytime try scorer odds: 2.20
The same player, the same match, but the odds are dramatically different. This reflects probability. The first try scorer bet requires a specific outcome (this player scores first). The anytime bet only requires a general outcome (this player scores at some point).
Mathematically, if we assume a 45% chance a player scores at least one try during a match, the probability they score the first try might only be 15-20%, depending on team structure and opposition. The odds reflect these different probabilities.
Bookmakers calculate these odds using sophisticated models that consider player form, position, team strength, opposition defense, and historical data. The anytime odds are always lower than first try scorer odds for the same player because the outcome is more probable.
Which Is Easier to Win?
Statistically, anytime try scorer is easier to win. Your player has the entire 80 minutes to score. Early momentum swings, tactical changes, and defensive adjustments all create opportunities throughout the match.
First try scorer is harder because it's a race. If a player doesn't score in the opening 10 minutes, they're already behind. Early tries often come from set pieces or tactical plays rather than the team's designated finishers.
However, "easier to win" comes with a trade-off: lower odds and lower potential returns. A £10 bet at 2.20 returns £22 (including stake). A £10 bet at 6.00 returns £60. The higher difficulty of first try scorer is compensated by higher potential winnings.
When to Back Each Market
Anytime try scorer is ideal when:
- You want consistent, achievable bets with reasonable odds
- You're building a parlay and need reliable legs
- You're managing bankroll and prefer lower variance
- You've identified a player in excellent form but aren't confident about early match flow
First try scorer is ideal when:
- You're seeking higher odds and bigger potential returns
- You've identified a player who typically scores early in matches
- You're willing to accept lower win rates for higher payouts
- You're backing a team expected to dominate from the start
Many experienced rugby bettors use a mixed approach: backing anytime try scorer for consistency and first try scorer occasionally when they spot exceptional value or a player with a specific early-scoring pattern.
How to Find Value and Develop a Winning Anytime Try Scorer Strategy
Analyzing Player Form and Position
The position a player occupies dramatically affects their try-scoring probability. Backs (wingers, centres, fullbacks) score far more tries than forwards (props, locks, flankers). A winger might have a 40-50% chance of scoring in a match, while a prop might have only 5-10%.
Look at a player's recent form: How many tries have they scored in their last 5-10 matches? Are they trending upward or downward? A player in a hot streak deserves higher odds consideration than their season average suggests.
Home vs away performance matters significantly. Some players perform better in front of their home crowd or struggle with travel. Check if your player has a notable home/away split in their recent statistics.
Injury status and match fitness are crucial. A player returning from injury might not be fully match-sharp, even if they're named to play. Conversely, a player who's been rested might be extra hungry to score.
Team Offensive Strength
Individual player quality matters, but team context is equally important. A brilliant winger playing for a team that struggles to score tries is less likely to find the try line than the same player for a team with a strong attacking system.
Analyze your team's recent try-scoring rate. How many tries have they scored in their last 5 matches? Are they trending up or down? A team in attacking form creates more opportunities for all their players.
Opposition defense is the flip side. Are you backing a player against a strong defensive team or a leaky defense? The same player will have different probabilities depending on the opposition.
Look at tactical patterns. Does the team favor wide attacking play (good for wingers) or forward-dominated play (good for prop/lock try scorers)? Some teams are known for their expansive rugby; others grind out wins with set-piece dominance.
Match Conditions and Context
Weather conditions affect rugby significantly. Wet, windy conditions reduce try-scoring opportunities. Cold conditions can make handling difficult. Dry, warm conditions typically see more tries.
Competition context matters. A Six Nations match has different dynamics than a Premiership match. International rugby is often tighter and more defensive. Domestic league rugby, particularly at the end of seasons, can be more open.
Injury reports released before a match can dramatically shift dynamics. If a team's key defensive player is out, attacking opportunities increase. If a team's main attacking player is unavailable, scoring opportunities decrease.
Team news and motivation affect performance. A team fighting relegation plays differently than a team already assured of a playoff spot. A team coming off a heavy defeat often plays with extra intensity.
Spotting Mispriced Odds
Bookmakers are sophisticated, but they're not perfect. They aim to balance their books and manage risk, which sometimes means odds don't perfectly reflect true probability.
Early odds are often better value than late odds. If you spot a player you like, backing them before significant money comes in might get you better odds than waiting until match day.
Market overreactions happen. If a key player is ruled out late, bookmakers might not adjust all related markets efficiently. If a team wins heavily, their players might be overpriced the following week.
Comparing odds across bookmakers is essential. Different bookmakers price the same market differently. A player might be 2.50 at one bookmaker and 2.80 at another. Always shop for the best odds.
Tracking your own data is valuable. Keep records of players you've backed, their odds, and their results. Over time, you might identify patterns—certain players or positions you consistently beat the odds on.
Common Misconceptions About Anytime Try Scorer Bets
Myth 1: Penalty Tries Count
Many bettors assume that because a penalty try is awarded, it counts for anytime try scorer bets. This is incorrect. Penalty tries are awarded by the referee as a penalty, not scored by a player. They do NOT count for any try scorer market (first, last, or anytime).
This misconception has cost bettors money when a player was on the field during a penalty try award and bettors incorrectly thought their bet had won.
Myth 2: Extra Time Counts
In knockout competitions, extra time sometimes occurs. Many bettors assume that tries scored in extra time count for anytime try scorer bets. They do not. Only the 80 minutes of regulation play count, including injury time.
This is particularly important in rugby league cup competitions, where extra time is common. A player might score in extra time, but your anytime try scorer bet on them would still lose.
Myth 3: Substitutes Are Always Void
Some bettors believe that if their selected player is named on the bench and comes on as a substitute, the bet is void. This is not true. As long as the player participates in the match (even for a single minute), the bet stands.
However, if a player is named in the starting lineup and is withdrawn before kickoff, the bet is void. The key distinction is whether the player was given the opportunity to play.
The History and Evolution of Anytime Try Scorer Markets
Origins of Player Prop Betting in Rugby
Player proposition betting in rugby emerged in the 1980s and 1990s as betting markets expanded beyond simple match outcomes. Early try scorer markets were basic—simply first try scorer or last try scorer. These were difficult markets that appealed primarily to experienced bettors.
The anytime try scorer market was developed as bookmakers sought to create more accessible markets that would appeal to a broader audience. By removing the timing restriction, bookmakers made try scorer betting more achievable and attractive to casual bettors.
Why Anytime Try Scorer Became Popular
Anytime try scorer's popularity grew for several reasons. First, it's more intuitive than first or last try scorer. Casual bettors can understand the concept immediately: "Will this player score a try?" is simpler than "Will this player score the first try?"
Second, the odds are more attractive for casual bettors. While first try scorer odds might be 6.00 or 7.00 (high but difficult), anytime odds of 2.20-3.00 feel more achievable. This psychological appeal drives volume.
Third, the rise of online betting and mobile apps made these markets more accessible. Bettors could now easily compare odds and place bets in seconds, rather than visiting a physical betting shop.
Fourth, the professionalization of rugby betting created demand for accessible value bets. Professional bettors use anytime try scorer as a foundation for parlay construction and hedging strategies.
Modern Variations
Modern bookmakers offer numerous variations on the basic anytime try scorer market:
Anytime try scorer and win combines the anytime try scorer market with a match result bet. You back a player to score and their team to win. The odds are lower than backing both separately but higher than backing either alone.
Insurebet versions return your stake if your player scores a try but fails to score first. This is a more favorable version of the market for bettors.
Live betting allows you to place anytime try scorer bets during the match. As circumstances change (a player is injured, a team falls behind), odds adjust accordingly. Live betting creates dynamic opportunities that don't exist in pre-match markets.
Boost markets see bookmakers artificially enhance odds on specific anytime try scorer selections, typically to drive volume on particular matches.
Anytime Try Scorer Across Different Rugby Formats
Rugby Union (15-a-side)
Rugby union is the most popular format for anytime try scorer betting. The Six Nations Championship, Premiership (England), Top 14 (France), URC (Wales/Ireland/Scotland/Italy/South Africa), and Super Rugby (Southern Hemisphere) all feature extensive anytime try scorer markets.
Rugby union matches typically see 2-5 tries per match, depending on the competition and teams involved. International rugby is tighter and more defensive, often featuring fewer tries. Domestic league rugby is more open, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere where try-scoring is prioritized.
Wingers and fullbacks are the most prolific try scorers in rugby union. Centres occasionally score, and forwards rarely score unless from set pieces near the try line.
Rugby League (13-a-side)
Rugby league is a higher-scoring format than rugby union. Matches typically feature 5-10 tries, sometimes more in one-sided contests. This higher try-scoring rate means anytime try scorer bets are more likely to win in rugby league.
The NRL (National Rugby League) in Australia and the Super League in Europe are the primary rugby league competitions. The NRL is known for attacking rugby and high try-scoring. The Super League features more defensive contests, but still more tries than rugby union.
In rugby league, wingers, fullbacks, and centres are the primary try scorers. The faster pace and less structured play create more try-scoring opportunities than rugby union.
Rugby 7s
Rugby 7s is the fastest, most try-heavy format. With fewer players on the field and continuous play, tries are scored frequently. Anytime try scorer bets in 7s are statistically more likely to win than in union or league.
However, 7s matches are shorter (two 7-minute halves in most tournaments), meaning there's less time for tries to be scored. The format is also less common for betting markets, so finding anytime try scorer odds for 7s requires specialist bookmakers.
FAQ: Anytime Try Scorer Questions Answered
Q: Can a player score more than one try and still win the bet?
A: Yes. Your anytime try scorer bet wins if your selected player scores at least one try. If they score multiple tries, your bet still wins—you don't receive additional winnings for the extra tries. The settlement is binary: either they scored one or more tries (win) or they didn't (loss). If you want to back a player to score multiple tries, you'd need to place a separate "brace" or "hat-trick" bet.
Q: What if my selected player is injured before the match and doesn't play?
A: If your player is named in the starting lineup but is withdrawn before kickoff, your bet is void and your stake is returned. However, if your player is named on the bench and comes on as a substitute (even for one minute), your bet stands. The key is whether the player was given the opportunity to participate in the match.
Q: Are anytime try scorer bets available for all rugby matches?
A: Not all matches have anytime try scorer markets available. Most major matches in the Six Nations, Premiership, Top 14, URC, Super Rugby, NRL, and Super League feature these markets. However, lower-tier matches or international friendlies might not. Always check your bookmaker's offering before assuming a market is available.
Q: How do odds change as the match progresses in live betting?
A: In live betting, odds adjust based on match circumstances. If your selected player scores early, they're no longer available at any odds (their outcome is already determined). If your player is injured and leaves the field, odds might shorten for other players. If a team is heavily behind, their players' odds might lengthen as the team is less likely to score. Live odds are dynamic and reflect real-time match circumstances.
Q: What's the best time to place an anytime try scorer bet?
A: Early odds are often better value than late odds. Bookmakers set opening odds conservatively and adjust them based on betting volume. If you've identified value, backing a player early (days or weeks before the match) often gets you better odds than waiting until match day when more money has come in and odds have tightened. However, you also have more time for injuries or team news to change circumstances.
Q: Can I combine anytime try scorer with other bets?
A: Yes. You can combine anytime try scorer with other markets in parlays. Common combinations include anytime try scorer + match result, anytime try scorer + correct score, or anytime try scorer + another player's anytime try scorer. Combining bets increases potential returns but also increases risk—all legs must win for your parlay to win.
Q: Do different bookmakers have different rules?
A: The fundamental rules are consistent across major bookmakers (80 minutes, penalty tries don't count, substitutes can score). However, there are minor variations. Some bookmakers offer Insurebet versions; others don't. Some void bets if a player is withdrawn before kickoff; others might settle them differently. Always read your specific bookmaker's rules before placing a bet. When in doubt, contact their customer service to clarify.