The World Rugby rankings serve as the compass, guiding us to determine which team is best on the global stage. With each match played, rankings shift, and records unfold. Here, we have discussed the Rugby World Rankings and how these are calculated.
World Rugby Rankings 2024
| Men’s Rankings |
Women’s Rankings |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Points | Rank | Team | Points |
| South Africa | 94.54 | 1 | England | 96.18 |
| Ireland | 90.57 | 2 | New Zealand | 90.56 |
| New Zealand | 89.80 | 3 | France | 87.89 |
| France | 87.81 | 4 | Canada | 86.27 |
| England | 85.46 | 5 | Australia | 81.61 |
| Scotland | 83.43 | 6 | Wales | 76.67 |
| Argentina | 80.68 | 7 | Italy | 75.61 |
| Wales | 80.64 | 8 | Scotland | 74.37 |
| Australia | 77.48 | 9 | USA | 72.02 |
| Fiji | 76.38 | 10 | Ireland | 71.52 |
| Italy | 75.93 | 11 | Japan | 69.38 |
| Japan | 74.27 | 12 | Spain | 64.89 |
| Portugal | 72.78 | 13 | South Africa | 64.37 |
| Georgia | 72.68 | 14 | Russia | 61.10 |
| Samoa | 72.23 | 15 | Netherlands | 60.02 |
| Tonga | 71.57 | 16 | Samoa | 59.57 |
| Uruguay | 67.39 | 17 | Fiji | 58.65 |
| USA | 66.22 | 18 | Hong Kong | 58.31 |
| Spain | 64.05 | 19 | Sweden | 56.01 |
| Romania | 63.28 | 20 | Kazakhstan | 55.97 |
Note: visit the official World Rugby website to explore the latest rankings.
How Do World Rugby Rankings are Calculated?
The Rankings Shuffle
Each team is given a points rating, typically from 0 to 100, with the top-ranked team usually placed between 90 and 100.
Points Exchange System
The main thing of the World Rugby Rankings is the points exchange system. A points change happens when two teams clash on the field. The losing team points tally decreases by the same margin that the victor’s total increases.
Factors at Play
Multiple variables come into play when calculating the points exchange. The ranking of both teams before the match, the venue of the game, and the margin of victory all influence the points changed.
The home-ground advantage is factored in by ‘handicapping’ the home team, giving them an extra three points to level the playing field.
The Magnitude of Victory
Winning with the highest points margin carries importance in this system. When a team wins by a margin exceeding 15 points, the points exchange is boosted by a multiplier of 1.5.
Equal Weight for All
In Rugby World Rankings, all international matches are created equal. Whether it’s a contested Bledisloe Cup or a clash between lesser-known squads like Georgia and Italy, each game contributes equally to a team’s ranking.
The Exception: Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup is an exception in the grand tapestry of international rugby. During this prestigious tournament, the points exchange transforms, doubling in magnitude. It’s a testament to the significance and intensity of the World Cup, where triumphs and defeats echo louder and resonate deeper in rugby.
As we delve into the nuances of the World Rugby Rankings, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of factors that shape the destiny of nations on the rugby field. In each match, the rise and fall of points mirror the relentless pursuit of excellence and the enduring passion that defines international rugby.
