Rugby World Cup ever-presents return to World Rankings top 10

Eddie Jones’ Japan have returned to the World Rugby Men’s Rankings top 10 following their 20-15 win over Fiji in the final of the Asahi Pacific Nations Cup at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.

It was third time lucky for Japan who had been beaten by Fiji in the last two finals, with tries from Mamoru Harada, Ben Gunter and Samisoni Tua and five points from the boot of Sam Greene seeing the Brave Blossoms take the title.

Japan have now moved above Fiji in the rankings as a result of the win, gaining three places to move up to ninth. It is the highest that Asian rugby’s flagbearers have been in the rankings since March 2023, and the first time they have been in the top 10 since August that year.

Meanwhile, Fiji have dropped a place and are now 10th, which has led to Wales losing their place in the top 10 and Italy also dropping a place, with the two Six Nations teams now ranked 11th and 12th.

Canada are also rewarded with a higher ranking for their 19-16 win over the United States in the Pacific Nations Cup third-place decider.

Having backed up their 34-20 win over the Eagles in last year’s competition, Canada have jumped two places to 22nd, which is their highest position since November 2024.

USA have fallen back a place to 15th, with Portugal the side to replace them in 14th.

Fewer than three rankings points now cover the teams ranked 15th to 20th, which is likely to lead to plenty more movement when the World Rugby Nations Cup resumes in November.

World Rugby Men’s Rankings Top 10*

1. South Africa – 95.09
2. New Zealand – 91.15
3. Ireland – 88.08
4. France – 87.43
5. England – 85.68
6. Scotland – 84.78
7. Australia – 83.55
8. Argentina – 82.24
9. Japan – 77.28
10. Fiji – 76.81

*Once they are officially updated by World Rugby at 12am (BST) on Monday