IRELAND HAVE RETURNED to third position in the official World Rugby rankings after yesterday’s 19-9 victory over England.
Joe Schmidt’s side move above the English again, having dropped down to fourth after the opening weekend of this year’s Six Nations. Despite a win over Italy in Rome in that first round, England’s impressive victory away to Wales saw them into move third.
Ireland originally joined the top three sides in world rugby following the November Test wins over South Africa and Australia.
The convincing success against England leaves Ireland as the top ranked Northern Hemisphere side once again, and they now trail second-placed South Africa by less than two rating points.
New Zealand retain their handsome lead at the top of the ranking list.
The only other change in the top 10 announced by World Rugby today sees Scotland drop down to 10th after their home defeat to Italy. As a result, Samoa move up the rankings into ninth position.
Due to results in the European Nations Cup, Russia moved up to 19th, while Portugal are now ranked as the 22nd best rugby nation in world rugby.
Romania dropped to 17th, while Moldova fell to 30th.
