Scotland Climb To Highest World Ranking

Scotland have climbed two places in the latest IRB world rankings announced this afternoon to sit proudly in sixth place – our highest ever ranking.Saturday’s 21-17 victory over world champions South Africa in the EMC Autumn Test at Murrayfield has catapulted Scotland to a position where we are now the leading Celtic nation as we have now leap-frogged Ireland. Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “What pleases me is the attitude and determination of our squad to keep improving. You climb the world rankings by winning games and it is very important that we build on Saturday’s result by delivering again when we face very tough opponents in Samoa in Aberdeen on Saturday.”The IRB world rankings were established in October 2003. Welcoming today’s news Gordon McKie, Chief Executive of Scottish Rugby, said, “I am delighted for Andy and the players who put so much into Saturday’s win against the world champions South Africa. The Scotland team are supported by our many sponsors, fans and our staff within Scottish Rugby and everyone should be very proud that they are playing their part in the Scotland team’s success.    A winning national team lifts Scotland as a nation, and it helps us all to build upon the recent success we’ve achieved with increased playing numbers across all levels of the game. It’s also helpful in attracting new sponsors, supporters and broadcasters, which in turn allows us to invest more in the sport.  Scottish Rugby is determined to continue to grow and develop our sport at all levels,  and with the Scotland team now reaching a historic high of sixth in the world, we look forward to building upon the good work that is already underway.” Scotland travel to Aberdeen later today and commence their on-field preparations tomorrow. The Scotland team to play Samoa is due to be announced on Wednesday.Tickets are selling fast and a capacity attendance of 20,500 is being targeted. They cost£15,£20 and£30 for adults and£7.50,£10 and£15 for under-18s and students. You can buy in four ways: online at www.scottishrugby.org; via the 24 hour hotline number 0844 335 3933 until 12 midnight on Friday; or in person from 9am-5pm from the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre, Gate A, Roseburn Street, Edinburgh; or in person from the Aberdeen FC Ticket Centre at Pittodrie.  Please note: there are no ticket sales on match day.