How the World Rugby Rankings Work: Explained Simply 

If you’ve ever wondered why South Africa are ranked number one in the world or how teams move up and down the standings after international Test matches, you’re not alone. The World Rugby Rankings measure and determine the best rugby union teams in the world.  

But luckily this system is actually pretty straightforward once you understand how points are awarded. Every international Test matters for fans and rankings alike. The stronger the opponent, the higher the points, and the bigger the vibe surrounding the match.  

So, sit back, relax, and let us explain how the World Rugby Rankings work and how the Springboks earned their number one ranking.  

What Are the World Rugby Rankings? 

The World Rugby Rankings are an official rating system used to rank international rugby teams. It’s based off of their performances in Test matches.  

It was first introduced before the 2003 Rugby World Cup as an objective way of measuring the strength of every national team. National sides gain or lose points based on their performances in officially recognised Test matches. Factors such as the quality of opposition and the result influence the number of points gained or lost.  

Interestingly, the World Rugby Rankings are based on the current strength of each nation at any given time. As a result, rankings are updated after every Test match. This means that they give an accurate snapshot of the current international rugby landscape throughout the year.  

How Do the World Rugby Rankings Work? 

The ranking system is based on a points exchange system. Instead of earning fixed points for every win, teams gain or lose ranking points from their opponents after each Test match.  

The number of points exchanged depends on: 

1. Match Result: Winning earns ranking points. Losing means the points are transferred to the winning side. 

2. Strength of the Opposition: Beating a higher-ranked nation is worth more points than a lower-ranking team. 

3. Winning Margin: Winning by more than 15 points means more points are exchanged than by a smaller victory. 

So, a team can’t remain near the top simply because they have had the spot before or won a World Cup. They have to consistently perform well in Test matches to stay among the world’s rugby elite.  

This same rule also works in soccer. It doesn’t matter if the team has won the FIFA World Cup, that team must consistently perform well in matches in order to maintain their position. The rankings constantly change depending on how the team performs throughout the season.  

Rugby World Cup Matches Count More 

Rugby World Cup matches count double points because of their significance. This means that teams climb or fall faster during the World Cup than during normal Test match season. As a result, rankings are often vastly different after a World Cup.  

So ahead of next year’s 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, teams will be fighting hard to maintain and climb positions on the rankings. They will be bringing their all to competitions such as the Nations Championship.  

Current Men’s World Rugby Top 10 

While these rankings are constantly changing depending on international competitions throughout the year, the top 10 teams represent the strongest rugby nations in the world. Here are the current top 10 rugby nations: 

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Why Is South Africa Ranked Number One? 

The Springboks sit at the top of the World Rugby Rankings. They have been number one for a total of 244 weeks, including 186 weeks since the end of 2019. This impressive number is attributed to their consistency against the world’s strongest teams.  

They have built their position through victories over teams such as New Zealand, Ireland, England, Argentina, and Scotland. After their 45-21 win over England last weekend, the Springboks currently sit comfortably in number one with 93.94 points.  

So, heading into the current international season, the Boks possess an insane depth of talent. This, combined with Rassie Erasmus’ coaching, powerful set pieces, and unbeatable defence, South Africa is a hard team to beat.  

Why Do the World Rugby Rankings Matter? 

The World Rugby Rankings are about more than just bragging rights. They help measure the current strength of international teams while determining Rugby World Cup seedings. Not only that, but they help build excitement around major Test matches and provide an easy way to compare nations.  

Teams are consistently fighting for the number one ranking spot. This is a major achievement for the number one team as well as their fans. This ranking system is constantly changing, which adds an extra layer of excitement.  

So, from the upcoming four-Test series between the Springboks and the All Blacks to the Nations Championship, knowing your team is fighting for their spot makes the match that much more exciting.  

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If you’ve learned anything from this article, it’s that every international Test matters. This is because every Test is a chance to take on the best teams and gain their points when winning the match. This, in turn, helps your favourite team climb higher on the World Rugby Rankings.  

If this ranking system wasn’t exciting enough, you’re able to follow rugby matches live on bet.co.za. Pick your team and bet on rugby now with bet.co.za.