World champion Black Ferns suffer World Rugby Women's Rankings blow

Having been exclusively in the top two in the first eight years of the World Rugby Women's Rankings, New Zealand have fallen down to third place for the second time in four months following their shock WXV 1 defeat at the hands of Ireland on Sunday.

New Zealand were beaten 29-27 in the final match of the weekend at BC Place in Vancouver and lost two points from their rating. The Black Ferns' new rating of 87.32 points places them below Canada, who beat France convincingly, 46-24, to claim second place behind reigning WXV 1 champions England.

New Zealand also fell to third, for the first time since the rankings were introduced in February 2016, when they suffered a maiden loss to Canada at the World Rugby Pacific Four Series back in May.

England began their title defence with a 61-21 win over USA, and the Red Roses now have a seven-point advantage over the tournament hosts Canada.

Ireland have jumped up to sixth, a climb of two places, and are currently at their highest position since August 2022. 

Australia and Wales – who the Wallaroos beat 37-5 in WXV 2 – have both fallen a place, to seventh and 10th, while Italy, who lost 19-0 to inaugural WXV 2 winners Scotland, have actually climbed one place to ninth. Scotland remain in fifth. 

Outside of the top 10, South Africa and Japan have swapped places, with the Springbok Women moving up from 12th to 11th following their 31-24 win over the Sakura Fifteens in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, Pacific Island duo, Fiji and Samoa, also made ground due to their performances in the opening round of WXV 3 in the United Arab Emirates. 

Fiji saw off Hong Kong China 38-3 and replace Russia in 14th, while Samoa are up one place to 17th after drawing 8-8 with the Netherlands.