Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of rugby and uncover the biggest winners and losers of 2025! The year that shook the rugby universe!
Winners:
Red Roses: These ladies took the women's game by storm! John Mitchell's Red Roses squad dominated the scene, securing an incredible fourth consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam and their third World Cup title on home soil. With an unbeaten streak of 33 Tests, they've not only captured the public's attention but also elevated the profile of women's rugby. An unbelievable year, indeed!
Springboks: The mighty Springboks are on a whole new level! Rassie Erasmus' team dominated the men's Test arena, ending the year with an impressive 12 wins out of 14 Tests. Their ruthless blend of attack and brute force has them looking like the favorites for a third consecutive World Cup title. Watch out, rivals!
British and Irish Lions: The Lions roared back with a rare series victory! After a Covid-affected tour in 2021, they returned with a bang, winning eight matches in a row and clinching the series against the Wallabies. A historic moment, as it's the first time the Lions have won back-to-back series against the same opponent in the post-war era.
England: Steve Borthwick's England team is on an upward trajectory, with an impressive 11 wins from 12 Tests in 2025. They've found new ways to win and are shaping up as serious contenders for the 2027 World Cup title.
Bordeaux-Begles: After years of knocking on the door, Bordeaux finally claimed their spot at the top table of European rugby. Their Investec Champions Cup triumph was a historic moment, and they're now a force to be reckoned with.
Leinster: The Irish giants ended their trophy drought, claiming the United Rugby Championship (URC) title. A much-needed boost for the club, avenging some high-profile finals defeats along the way.
Bath: After 29 long years, Bath finally achieved a historic treble, winning the PREM Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, and PREM. A dominant season that brought an end to years of hurt.
Zimbabwe and Hong Kong China: These two teams made significant strides in 2025, qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. Zimbabwe's progress is particularly notable, climbing up the World Rankings and showing signs of a bright future.
Losers:
Welsh Rugby: A dark year for Wales, with the national team struggling and the club game facing uncertainty. The proposal to axe one of the four regions has caused a stir, with key players moving to the PREM.
Australia: The Wallabies had a mixed year, with some bright spots but ultimately ending on a sour note, losing all four Tests in November. The impending coaching change adds to the uncertainty.
Scotland: Scotland had the potential for a brilliant year, but it didn't quite materialize. The Six Nations was a missed opportunity, and the summer tour failed to bring the desired change in approach. A close call against the All Blacks wasn't enough to mask the disappointment.
Scott Robertson: The All Blacks head coach is under pressure after another unconvincing year. With senior coaching resignations and the team missing out on the Rugby Championship title, Robertson is facing a tough road ahead.
Ireland: Ireland seemed a step behind in 2025, with a third-place finish in the Six Nations and a mixed bag of results. The transition period is ongoing, but 2026 needs to be the year they bring in fresh talent and find their footing again.
And there you have it! A year of highs and lows in the rugby world. But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think? Who do you think deserves a spot on these lists? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on the winners and losers of 2025!
