Most Tri-Nations / Rugby Championship Titles

Lore & Background

New Zealand have spent over 14 years in the top spot, including a dominant nearly ten-year consecutive stretch from November 2009 to September 2019, highlighted by consecutive World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015 and seven Tri Nations/Rugby Championships. Both of these records (most weeks and most consecutive weeks) at no. 1 are unparalleled, but since relinquishing the top spot to Ireland in September 2019, they have only led for 11 weeks. New Zealand have led the rankings on 9 separate occasions, most recently in September 2025.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled off the Pacific Ocean, whipping through the stands at Eden Park as the final whistle blew. The scoreboard read a comfortable margin, but the true victory lay in the collective sigh of relief from the coaching box and the roar that erupted when the referee signaled full time. As the captain stepped forward to receive the gleaming silver cup, the weight of history pressed against his shoulders—not just for this year, but for every New Zealand side that had walked this path before him. The trophy was heavy, cold in the night air, a tangible symbol of a decade of dominance that no amount of rain or grit from the opposition could wash away.

Reader's Guide

New Zealand have been the most consistently ranked #1 team since the introduction of the world rankings in 2003, having held the #1 ranking for most of the time during this period. South Africa is second, with Ireland, England, Wales and France making up the remainder.

Did You Know?

• New Zealand have held the #1 ranking for over 60% of the time since rankings began.
• New Zealand holds the record for the highest rating points amassed by any team, which currently stands at 96.57.
• New Zealand's 508-week consecutive streak at #1 from November 2009 to August 2019 is a record.