Wales drop to lowest-ever position in the World Rugby rankings

Wales have dropped to their lowest-ever position in the World Rugby rankings after Fiji beat Japan last weekend.

On Friday afternoon in Fukuoka, Willie Walker’s Fijiana XV were able to grind out a 15-12 win against their hosts, the Sakura Fifteen and overtake the side they stunned in the group stage of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

The result means that Fiji have moved to a new high of 12th in the World Rugby rankings, while Wales have fallen to their lowest ranking ever [13th].

Wales have not won a Test since July 2025, when they overcame Australia 21-12 in Brisbane. At Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Sean Lynn’s team went winless and concluded the tournament with a 28-25 loss to Fiji. In the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations the side picked up a third wooden spoon in a row.

In Japan, Fiji opened the scoring after eight minutes when Ivamere Nabura crossed the whitewash. Tries for Varanisese Qoro and Aqela Raitubu proved to be the difference for the Pacific Islanders.

Japan were playing their first game under the guidance of new head coach Toshizumi Kitagawa. His team scored their first try through Nami Asari’s and saw the effort converted by Maiko Nishi. Asuka Kuge scored the Sakura Fifteen’s second in the 56th minute.

Japan will now play WXV Global Series fixtures against Italy and Ireland in September, while Fiji will play WXV Global Series Challenger fixtures against Spain, Hong Kong China and the Netherlands.

Elsewhere, there was no movement for the Springbok Women or Black Ferns after their encounter on Saturday afternoon.

A win of any kind could have catapulted the Springbok Women three places up the rankings to seventh. Victory by at least a 15-point winning margin would have moved last year’s surprise package at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 to sixth.

At Soweto’s FNB Stadium, the Black Ferns registered a comprehensive 52-20 win against South Africa in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry curtain-raiser.

After they overcame a stern Springbok challenge in the opening 30 minutes, tries from Elinor-Plum King, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Chryss Viliko, Maia Joseph, Amarante Sititi and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu helped Whitney Hansen’s team to a comprehensive victory.