Where are England in the men’s world rankings after week 4 of the Quilter Nations Series? And who are the top six seeds for the looming World Cup draw? Last weekend saw Steve Borthwick’s men edge a fiery clash with Argentina, while Ireland were beaten by South Africa in a Dublin thriller. Watch the Quilter Nations Series on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Let us start with a date for your diaries: December 3, 2025.
It signifies the day the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup will be made, a seminal moment in the destiny of the world’s international sides.
And it is England who made further ground in the world rankings after week 4 of the Quilter Nations Series, as they edged closer to second-placed New Zealand in the standings after beating Argentina in a fiery clash at Allianz Stadium.
For England and their rivals, this autumn has been a race to be within the top six of the world rankings ahead of the World Cup draw – and here’s why.
The World Cup will comprise six pools, with the top six teams each going into one of those separate pools.
Therefore, the inherent risk of ending up below sixth is the chance of being landed in the second band of seeds (7th-12th) – and in a pool with one of the game’s biggest hitters.
With just one international remaining this season – Wales v South Africa this Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ – the seeding bands have been confirmed, with the full list below.
Neither South Africa nor Wales can move in the rankings, whatever Saturday’s result.
World rankings table and confirmed seeding bands
The 24 teams going into the World Cup draw next Wednesday are as follows:
Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Spain, Uruguay, United States, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong, Canada, Zimbabwe
The draw will take place in Sydney, with one team from each band going into the six pools.