Wales have closed in on a return to the top 10 in World Rugby's rankings following their 39-24 victory over Fiji in Cardiff on Saturday. Despite playing at home, the match was classified as an away game for Wales, allowing them to gain 1.31 points.
Rankings Gap Narrows
Steve Tandy's side currently sit 11th, but the gap to ninth-placed Fiji has shrunk to 3.46 points. Italy, in 10th, dropped 1.88 points after losing to Japan in Tokyo, leaving them just 1.39 points ahead of Wales. Meanwhile, Japan's win over Italy moved them to within 0.40 points of Wales in 12th.
Wales' Long Road Back
Wales first fell out of the top 10 in July 2024 during an 18-Test losing streak. They dropped as low as 14th last summer but have now won one game in each of their last four campaigns, signaling a turnaround under Steve Tandy after Warren Gatland's difficult second spell.
Scotland and Others Rise
Scotland moved up to fifth, equaling their record high, after beating Argentina. They leapfrogged England, who stayed sixth despite losing to South Africa. Argentina dropped to seventh ahead of their clash with Wales. New Zealand cut South Africa's lead at the top to 2.90 points after a narrow win over France.
Latest World Rugby Men’s Rankings
- South Africa – 93.94
- New Zealand – 91.04
- Ireland – 89.32
- France – 86.75
- Scotland – 84.71
- England – 83.91
- Argentina – 83.77
- Australia – 81.28
- Fiji – 79.53
- Italy – 77.31
- Wales – 76.68
- Japan – 76.42
- Georgia – 72.67
- USA – 69.40
- Portugal – 68.51
- Uruguay – 68.46
- Chile – 67.31
- Samoa – 66.91
- Tonga – 66.88
- Spain – 66.64
- Belgium – 61.02
- Romania – 60.08
- Canada – 59.63
- Hong Kong China – 59.14
- Zimbabwe – 58.59
