WXV Global Series: The huge World Rugby ranking changes that can happen this weekend

The World Rugby rankings could look very different after this weekend as the WXV Global Series gets underway.

On Saturday the new-look competition will begin, with the WXV Global Series and WXV Global Series Challenger kick-starting an eight week international window for women’s Test rugby.

Should Whitney Hansen’s Black Ferns lose by 15 points or more against France in Lyon, Canada can move back up to second in the rankings. But only if the North Americans beat Scotland in Edinburgh.

A win for France – provided they beat New Zealand by 15 points or more and Canada lose by the same margin – could see Les Bleues move up to third.

For Scotland, a first win against Canada since Women’s Rugby World Cup 1994, will see the team currently ranked seventh move up one place.

Should Scotland, who are currently being led by interim head coach Dave Butcher, lose to Canada and Australia draw with the Red Roses in Salford, the Wallaroos will move to seventh.

Wins for England and Canada, who each play opposition rated lower than them, cannot see either team improve their place in the rankings.

WXV Global Series Challenger

A win for Hong Kong China against Brazil cannot help Tumua Ioane’s team move any higher up the rankings, due to the South American’s lower position in the current standings.

Conversely, should As Yaras beat the tournament hosts at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, Guilherme Coghetto’s team could leap three places up the rankings to 22nd. It would be a new high for the team.

Hong Kong China can even fall a place if they do win, should the Netherlands beat Samoa by 15 points or fewer. Samoa can’t improve their standing in the rankings even with a win.

Victory for Las Leonas on Sunday could see them overtake their opponents, Fiji. Currently ranked 14th in the world, a win of any kind can send Spain to 12th for the first time since 2024.