Top Mistakes New Fantasy Rugby Players Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Top Mistakes New Fantasy Rugby Players Make (and How to Avoid Them)

by | May 15, 2025 | Blog

Do you feel lost every time you play fantasy rugby game? Have you drafted your team with high hopes, only to watch your players underperform week after week? Wondering why your opponents always seem one step ahead? 

If you are a rookie, don’t get disheartened, as there are many like you. Most beginners step into the arena with gusto but quickly discover themselves buried under oceans of rules, stats, and strategic decisions. Whether you are a lifelong rugby fan or just joining the fantasy world for fun, there’s a learning curve — and a steep one at that. 

But here’s the good news: Most beginner mistakes in fantasy rugby are avoidable. Once you understand the common traps and how to steer clear of them, you will gain a competitive edge that puts you miles ahead of the casual crowd.  

In this blog, we will explore the top mistakes new fantasy rugby players make and, more importantly, how you can avoid them to level up your game. 

1. Picking Players Based on Reputation, Not Fantasy Points 

It’s tempting to stack your team with the big names — the legendary players who dominate headlines. But when you play fantasy rugby games, reputation doesn’t always translate to points. 

Some star players may not have fantasy-friendly roles. For instance, a forward who dominates physically might not generate as many points as a winger who scores tries regularly.  

Fantasy scoring systems reward performance stats like meters gained, tackles, tries, and assists, not just leadership or “presence on the field.” 

Avoid It

Look at player stats from a fantasy perspective. Choose players based on recent form, involvement in the game, and point-scoring consistency, not just fame. 

Recommended reading: Fantasy Rugby: When to Play Your Wildcard for Maximum Impact

2. Ignoring Matchups and Fixtures 

One of the biggest rookie mistakes is setting your team and forgetting about fixtures. A player might be in great form but facing the league’s strongest defensive side — or worse, they might not even be playing that week due to rotation or injury. 

Avoid It: 

Check upcoming matchups before you play fantasy rugby games online. Favor players facing weaker opponents. Stay updated on weekly team sheets to know who’s in, who’s rested, and who might shine against weaker competition. 

3. Overloading on Players from One Team 

You love your favorite club, and it’s tempting to draft five or six players from the same squad. But this creates a risky imbalance. What happens when that team loses or underperforms? Your entire fantasy score tanks. 

Avoid It: 

Diversify your squad. Spread your picks across multiple teams to protect yourself from a poor performance by one side. 

4. Not Understanding the Scoring System 

Fantasy rugby scoring varies by platform. Some leagues reward clean breaks and lineouts, while others prioritize tries, conversions, or defensive stats. If you don’t understand how points are awarded, you’re essentially playing blindfolded. 

 Avoid It: 

Before drafting, study the scoring system carefully. Prioritize players whose playing style aligns with what earns the most points. 

5. Failing to Monitor Injuries and Suspensions 

This is a common mistake that hurts badly. Starting a player who’s injured or suspended means a guaranteed zero, and in a competitive league, you can’t afford that. 

Avoid It: 

Always check injury reports and team announcements before finalizing your squad. Many platforms often send alerts to players. You need to utilize it for concrete decisions.  

6. Leaving Your Captain Choice to Chance 

The captain earns double points in any match. So, your small decision may create a massive impact. Many beginners forget to select a captain, or worse, pick randomly. 

Avoid It: 

When you play fantasy rugby game online, choose a reliable, in-form player with an easy fixture. Make captaincy a calculated decision, not a rushed one. 

7. Chasing Last Week’s Points 

You notice a player had a 30-point game last week, and you rush to transfer them in. But you don’t consider why they had a good week or whether they can do it again. 

Avoid It: 

Don’t blindly follow trends. Analyze whether a high score was a one-off or part of a pattern. A player who scored due to an unusual event (e.g., two intercept tries) may not repeat that performance. 

8. Ignoring the Bench 

Utilize your bench players wisely. They can turn the game at any point of time. When injuries hit or players are rested, you need solid substitute players who can continue the game.  

Avoid It: 

Don’t spend all your budget on your starting 15. Invest in at least 2–3 bench players who are starters for their clubs and likely to score consistently. 

9. Making Transfers Too Early 

Many new players make early-week transfers before the team news is released. If you jump the gun, you could end up stuck with an injured or benched player. 

Avoid It: 

Wait until team lineups are confirmed or close to the deadline. Yes, prices might change, but information is more valuable than reacting too fast. 

10. Ignoring Weather and Game Conditions 

It might sound overly cautious, but the weather can change the flow of a game. In rugby matches, the weather condition is a big contributor. Rainy or windy matches tend to favor tactical kicking and forward play over flashy tries. 

Avoid It: 

Check the weather forecast before jumping into the match on the best fantasy sports app in India. If heavy rain is forecasted, reconsider fielding multiple backline players from that game. 

Bonus Mistake: Giving Up Too Early 

Fantasy rugby is a season-long game. One bad week doesn’t mean your season is over. Many beginners lose motivation after a poor start. However, those who stay engaged and make smart moves week by week often climb back up. 

Avoid It: 

Stick with it. Learn as you go. Use each mistake as a stepping stone toward better performance. 

Conclusion:  

Avoiding these initial mistakes isn’t just about scoring more points — it’s about enjoying the game at a deeper level. Fantasy rugby becomes way more thrilling when you are actively thinking like a coach, strategist, and analyst all in one. 

Are you ready to utilize your gaming strategy and skills for fantasy rugby, try MyChamp11. This platform encourages smart and strategic players like you to participate and explore various rugby gaming skills and score well.  

Whether you are into rugby, cricket, or football, this platform welcomes you with flexible team management and an intuitive interface perfect for both beginners and pros. The platform hosts several rugby contests and offers plenty of rewards and prizes to players. There is something for everyone on this platform.  

Build your squad. Outsmart the competition. And make every match count — only on MyChamp11