The top 20 global rankings for 2023 will remain unchanged following Saturday’s La Vila International Rugby Cup final in Villajoyosa.

The United States of America won the trophy after defeating Spain 42–12. This victory moves the hosts of the 2031 men’s Rugby World Cup up to 17th place in the rankings, ahead of Uruguay.

Canada also gained ground, finishing third in the Cup after defeating Brazil 40–15, ending their recent losing streak under Kingsley Jones.

They just miss out on the top 20, however, as Uruguay (18th), Romania (19th) and Spain (20th) finish the year above them, with Namibia sitting in 22nd spot.

Springboks top of the pile

Naturally, South Africa will lead the World Rugby rankings until at least the new year after winning the Rugby World Cup recently in France.

With 94.54 points, the Springboks lead the field, while Ireland comes in second with 90.57, moving up above New Zealand following the All Blacks’ defeat in the championship match.

France, the defeated quarterfinalists, are in fourth place, followed by England, the unexpected World Cup favorite, in fifth place, and Scotland, who lost in the pool stages, in sixth place.

Argentina finished the competition in fourth position, placing them in seventh place with an 80.68 score, barely ahead of Wales (80.64), whom they defeated in the final eight.

Australia comes in ninth place for the year, with Fiji completing out the top 10. Australia’s terrible Rugby World Cup resulted in Eddie Jones quitting as head coach.

Less than a point separates Six Nations team Italy from the top 10, with Japan, Portugal, Georgia, and Samoa ahead of the United States, Uruguay, Romania, and Spain.

World Rugby rankings

1 South Africa 94.54
2 Ireland 90.57
3 New Zealand 89.80
4 France 87.81
5 England 85.46
6 Scotland 83.43
7 Argentina 80.68
8 Wales 80.64
9 Australia 77.48
10 Fiji 76.38
11 Italy 75.93
12 Japan 74.27
13 Portugal 72.78
14 Georgia 72.68
15 Samoa 72.23
16 Tonga 71.57
17 (18) USA 67.94
18 (17) Uruguay 67.39
19 (20) Romania 63.28
20 (19) Spain 62.86