World Rankings get major Six Nations shake-up

Ireland and Scotland are the big winners in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings after the third round of the Six Nations.

Ruthless Ireland have leapt up two places to third on the back of their record 42-21 win away to England, while Scotland have also climbed two places, moving up from ninth to seventh.

England’s defeat – their fifth heaviest at home – sends them back down to fifth, with France falling one place to fourth, as they did not receive any points for their hard-fought 33-8 win at home to Italy on Sunday and have been overtaken by Ireland.

Rugby World Cup 2027 hosts Australia have been demoted to eighth as a result of Scotland’s 26-23 success in Cardiff, while Fiji are down to ninth.

Wales are another team to lose ground, their reduced rating of 73.62 seeing them drop down to 12th.

The first three games of the third round of the Rugby Europe’s Men’s Championship had a minimal affect on the rankings, although Switzerland’s tremendous 29-23 win over the Netherlands sees the teams swap places.

Switzerland are now 27th, one place off their all-time best, while the Netherlands replace them in 28th.

Reigning champions Georgia remain in 13th after their 42-30 win over Spain, who stay 15th.

Belgium beat Germany 18-3 but the result did not affect either teams position, with the Black Devils 23rd and the Black Eagles 31st.

Portugal play Romania on Sunday evening and the outcome of that match could result in changes.

Updated World Rankings – Top 15

1. South Africa – 93.94
2. New Zealand – 90.33
3. Ireland – 88.89
4. France – 88.40
5. England – 85.62
6. Argentina – 84.98
7. Scotland – 81.71
8. Australia – 81.53
9. Fiji – 81.14
10. Italy – 79.81
11. Japan – 74.09
12. Wales – 73.62
13. Georgia – 73.48
14. Uruguay – 69.19
15. Spain – 68.81

*World Rugby will officially update the rankings at noon on Monday