Top Five Rugby Teams

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 26 February 2024

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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Best Rugby Teams

• Best Rugby National Teams
• Best National Rugby Teams
• All Blacks’ Superiority
• Ireland’s Rugby Comeback
• Springboks’ Power
• England’s Pride
• Le Blues’ Flair
• Frequently Asked Questions

Rugby, a game of power, passion, and tradition, has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. This blog looks at the best world rugby teams as of 2023. From the iconic Twickenham to the roaring stadium in Auckland, we embark on a journey to discover what makes these teams the best rugby teams in the world. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Best Rugby National Teams

In the world of rugby, “best” can, like most sports, be subjective. However, we’re going to be looking at the top five teams from 2023, according to their rankings. This is male teams only, and we’re also only covering rugby union. On a side note; if you’re looking for rugby betting sites, don’t forget to check out our recommended bookmakers page!

Best National Rugby Teams

The world of international rugby union is defined by a few national teams that have consistently showcased above-average performance, especially when playing at the world’s biggest events and stadiums. These teams have not only achieved remarkable success over the years, but have also made significant contributions to the culture and evolution of the sport. Their journeys have inspired books, films, and even political and social change, and today, we’re going to look at the best national rugby teams.

The All Blacks of New Zealand – one of the most iconic names in rugby – sets the benchmark with their incredible combination of power, precision, and aggression. Ireland’s men – a gritty, determined team – made a remarkable comeback in the last decade, positioning themselves as one of the world’s top teams. South Africa’s Springboks wrote one of sport’s most inspiring tales, lifting the 1995 World Cup on home soil and uniting a divided nation. They also won the 2023 World Cup, last year.

England’s men – armed with incredible forwards and great strategy – remain a world-class team, and there’s no forgetting the French, who are known for their unpredictability. In today’s blog, we look at these best rugby national teams, exploring why they’re so successful and what makes them stand out from others.

All Blacks’ Superiority

The All Blacks of New Zealand stand in a class of their own in the rugby world. As the most successful international rugby team of all time with a win percentage nearing 77%, their continued high performance has been enjoyed for more than 100 years, and they’ve cemented their legacy as one of the best rugby teams in the world.

Central to the All Blacks’ success is an attacking style of play renowned for its combination of power, precision, and open-field strategy, initially influenced by the indigenous Māori culture. This attacking strategy, combined with solid defense and well-above-average fitness, has made New Zealand perennial favorites in World Cups – underlined by their three titles. Their famous pre-match Haka is also incredibly iconic, and seeing it is, for many, an event in itself!

But the All Blacks’ success goes well beyond statistics. The team is actually intertwined with New Zealand’s culture; for example, their logo features the silver fern, and some of the team’s greats are or were hugely influential in New Zealand culture. This includes the likes of Colin Meads, Sean Fitzpatrick, and Jonah Lomu.

While they don’t always have the best seasons, the All Blacks are incredibly iconic, always put on a good performance, and consistently make their way to the top of the rugby world – and for many of our readers, they’re the best rugby team in history.

Ireland’s Rugby Comeback

The Irish rugby team, a blend of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s finest, is another top-tier team in the rugby world. Recent announcements have initiated a brand-new era for the team, with coach Andy Farrell naming a fresh, dynamic squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

The squad, a mix of seasoned veterans and promising new talents, is set to bring a blend of experience and innovation to the field. The retirement of iconic figures like Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one, and despite the retirements, the team has a huge amount of experience under its belt.

In 2022, Ireland continued their strong run by winning the Triple Crown. Historic wins on New Zealand soil in July 2022 made them only the third team after France and the British & Irish Lions to win a series there. Later in the year, they achieved their biggest ever win over the All Blacks on home soil. Recently in 2023, Ireland won another Grand Slam to underline their championship pedigree. With a good blend of youth and experience, Ireland established themselves as the top ranked side leading up to the World Cup.

As the new squad gears up for the Six Nations and beyond, the focus is on blending the rich traditions of Irish rugby with innovative strategies and fresh talent. Farrell looks to be a popular addition to the team, and he’s bringing a huge wealth of experience to the side.

Springboks’ Power

The South African rugby team, known as the Springboks, is consistently recognized as one of the best national rugby teams. With a history rich of winning – and a future bright with potential – the Springboks stand as a formidable force in international rugby.

As the reigning champions, following their victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the Springboks are set to face a series of challenging encounters in the upcoming 2024 season. Their home Test schedule is packed with intense matchups against formidable teams like Ireland, New Zealand, and Argentina. Particularly notable are the games against New Zealand, where the Springboks aim to secure a third successive victory over the All Blacks for the first time since 2009.

The team’s performance on the international stage continues to draw attention and respect. A significant encounter awaits at Twickenham in 2024, where the Springboks will face England. As one of the top rugby nations, the Springboks are known for delivering top-quality performances, and their appearance against England is expected to be no exception​​.

With players like Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, and Siya Kolisi providing the backbone of experience, the team also has younger players bringing fresh energy and perspectives. However, the journey ahead is not without its challenges.

The Springboks are in a period of transition, with the next Rugby World Cup cycle bringing potential changes. Key questions loom over the team, including leadership dynamics and the future of the coaching structure. Siya Kolisi, the current captain, has been a pivotal figure, and decisions about his role and potential successors are critical.

Also worth noting is that the role of Rassie Erasmus, the current Director of Rugby, is under discussion, and it remains to be seen whether or not he’ll be sticking with the team as they move forward.

England’s Pride

England’s men’s rugby team has a long and rich history, and the game of rugby was actually created in England. Their first official international was played in 1871, just a few years after the introduction of standardized rugby rules. Since then, England has been a consistent winner in the rugby world, winning multiple championships in Europe and claiming the World Cup in 2003.

In recent years, England re-established itself as a rugby powerhouse under Australian coach Eddie Jones. After the disappointment of failing to advance from the group stage in the 2015 World Cup they hosted, Jones reinvigorated a struggling side. The transformation was instant – a Grand Slam followed in 2016 and a record-equaling 18-Test winning streak powered England to two Six Nations titles.

But England’s success under Jones wasn’t to continue, as he was sacked in 2022 after a poor run of form. His position has now been taken by Steve Borthwick.

England’s strength lies in its squad and training. Veterans like fly half Farrell provide steady hands to guide the new talent, while emerging stars like back-rower Alex Dombrandt and young fly half Marcus Smith have made fans pretty excited with their clear potential. The team is also backed up by props like Dan Cole, so it’s an incredibly solid side.

Here are a few highlights of England’s rugby squad, looking at what the national team is best known for:

Les Blues’ Flair

The French rugby team, known affectionately as Les Bleus, like England, has a long history when it comes to rugby. They competed in their first ever international match against the All Blacks in 1906 and joined the Five Nations (later Six Nations) competition in 1910 where they have since claimed the championship 18 times. France has also made three appearances in the Rugby World Cup final, coming painstakingly close in 1987, 1999, and 2011.

France is known for playing an adventurous, attacking style of rugby capable of unlocking any defense. When they’re playing their best game, they’re known for their unpredictability – though they have also been accused of inconsistency. Their rivalry with England in the Six Nations has produced many classics over the years. Recent years have seen veterans like Dupont, Ntamack, and Marchand lead a new, young squad, packed with talent and potential.

In 2022, France’s young stars came of age by recording a first Grand Slam in 12 years. It capped a perfect calendar year where they won every single match under famed former captain Fabien Galthié to claim the world number one ranking. Like England, France benefits from a highly energetic fan-base, and this always helps them when taking to the field!