Updated World Rugby rankings after Six Nations Round 3
· The South African
The 2026 Six Nations continues to deliver some enthralling entertainment, with the latest results shaking up the World Rugby rankings and reshaping perceptions of the northern hemisphere’s leading sides just 18 months before the next Rugby World Cup.
After a challenging opening night defeat in Paris and a narrow escape against Italy, Ireland responded in emphatic fashion on Saturday with a commanding 42-21 victory over England.
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The result not only reignited Ireland’s bid to be crowned the best in the northern hemisphere, but also condemned England to a second consecutive defeat – effectively ending their hopes of a first Six Nations title in six years.
Full of praise
Head coach Andy Farrell was full of praise for his side after the win.
“It must be nice to be Irish today,” Farrell said, adding that he was “ecstatic” for the players and the thousands of fans in attendance.
Following recent media speculation suggesting this Ireland squad may have passed its peak, the performance served as a powerful statement of intent.
The victory saw Ireland climb two places to third in the World Rugby rankings, while England dropped to fifth.
Scotland Keep Faint Hopes Alive
Elsewhere, Scotland produced a dramatic second-half comeback to beat Wales 26-23, keeping their slim Six Nations title hopes alive.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend credited his side’s improved second-half display as the turning point in the match.
The victory earned Scotland 0.61 ranking points, lifting them to seventh in the world – just ahead of Australia in the standings.
Wales dropped another spot to 12th.
France won, but lost a spot
In the weekend’s final match, France proved too strong for Italy, winning 33-8 at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.
Neither side picked up – or lost – any World Rugby ranking points.
France did, however, drop from third to fourth, while Italy remained 10th overall.
Springboks Remain on Top
Despite the movement below them, the South Africa remain firmly entrenched at number one in the World Rugby rankings.
With the Six Nations still unfolding, further shifts in momentum – and the global pecking order – could yet follow as northern hemisphere teams continue to stake their claim ahead of the next World Cup cycle.
The fourth round of Six Nations matches will take place on 6 and 7 March.