Playing, watching and betting on Rugby has become a national pastime in our beautiful country, and we’re pretty well obsessed with anything to do with the game. It’s even spilled over to another great love of ours; mobile pokies! Microgaming’s Rugby Star is a hugely enjoyable mobile pokie that can be played on iOS or Android, and it brings the intensity and excitement of the game to life in a whole new way.
In addition to playing Rugby themed pokies, there are plenty of other apps you can you use to keep your head in the game. There are apps that tell you everything you need to know about the games, those that help you predict winners, or bring you breaking news. We’ve lined up our top Rugby app recommendations for Android and iOS users in New Zealand so that you’ve got everything you need to keep up with your favourite teams and players!
Ultimate Rugby
Rugby Union games are paramount in New Zealand, and Ultimate Rugby is an essential app for keeping up with this form of the sport. You’ll get to enjoy unprecedented coverage of all Rugby Union games, right from the palm of your hand, and you can specify which leagues, teams and individual matches you want to follow. This app lets you tailor-make your coverage so you don’t miss any of the action that you prioritise.
If you want to get breaking news as soon as it happens, Ultimate Rugby also allows you to set up push notifications so that you don’t even have to open the app to get all the details of the latest developments or drama. Live text commentary on each game will keep you up to speed, and you can plot your next bet with detailed statistical analyses of every game.
As a fan, you can even contribute your own opinions on anything that happens with Ultimate Rugby. This app really becomes part of your life, and allows the beloved 15-a-side game to become even more a part of your life than it already is. Best of all, it’s free to download!
All Blacks Rugby Union
The All Blacks Rugby Union app is also free to Android and iOS users, and is an essential tool for any self-respecting Kiwi. It’s packed with slick features to bring you closer to the national treasure that is our Rugby side, including team line-ups, player information and statistics, breaking news and videos of them in action.
Fixtures and scores for all national games and every international game that relates to the All Blacks are easily accessed. You’ll be totally immersed in the action as it happens too, with live commentary and key relevant information provided as the game unfolds. Deepen your understanding and love for all things relating to New Zealand Rugby with this app.
Rugby Nations 16
Rugby Nations 16 is a realistic mobile game, and is the most popular of its kind in the world. It’s even more immersive than Rugby Star, and will help you take a break from reality while continuing to hone your Rugby insights. And, like the other apps we recommend, it’s free to download and use!
Sensitive touch controls allow you to move your team players around the field, and the graphics are truly impressive. Create a player in career mode and then place them in real sides on the pitch. As you earn skill points, you’ll improve their performances. The stands off the pitch are filled with supporters and there is even a Live Game feature, simulating what you find in the real sportsbetting world.
World Rugby – Laws of the Game
Use this app as your go-to Rugby rulebook, when a referee is deciding what to do, or you are debating specific rules or outcomes with friends. The resources are in-depth, with detailed text and images, and you can even show off your knowledge with a series of quizzes that comes with the app. It’s a super-handy resource while you’re watching the game and is, of course, free to iPad, iPhone and Android handset users.
Rugby Manager
If you feel like you may have missed your calling and that being a Rugby Manager is the right job for you, this app puts you in the hot seat. You can create your own Rugby club, train your players, prepare a proper game strategy and then put your skills to the test when your team competes in a championship. Features of the app include advanced individual training modules, player recruitment, team strategy tools and real time matches. This app is available free for Android and iOS and its perfect for those who love the more technical side of the game.
There really is an app for everything, and if you’re a Rugby fan we recommend you check these ones out as a great starting point.