Wales Online Reports: New World Rugby Rankings Table Puts Wales on Edge
Wales is on the cusp of a significant fall in the World Rugby rankings, with one loss potentially dropping them to uncharted territory. Despite currently holding the 11th position, a defeat against Italy could see them plummet to 12th, below Georgia. This scenario, which would have seemed unimaginable in the past, comes amid increasing calls for the Rugby Europe Championship favourites to vie for a Six Nations spot. Even Welsh rugby icon Sam Warburton advocates for a relegation match between the bottom team and the second-tier competition winners, primarily dominated by Georgia.
The recent opening weekend of the 2025 Six Nations witnessed no alterations in the World Rugby rankings, with anticipated victors in each match – France, Scotland, and Ireland – securing wins. Ireland maintains its second-place ranking, trailing behind world champions South Africa, while France holds fourth place, Scotland sixth, and England seventh. Meanwhile, Italy sits in 10th and Wales in 11th, a position already marking Wales’ lowest-ever ranking due to a streak of 13 defeats over the past 15 months.
In the upcoming match against Italy, a loss for Wales and a victory for Georgia against the Netherlands could see Wales fall to 12th. On the other hand, a Welsh win by more than 15 points would propel them to 10th place, while a victory by 15 points or less would maintain their 11th spot. Richard Cockerill’s team’s dominating 110-0 win over Switzerland on the opening weekend sets the stage for an intriguing battle in the rankings.
The proposed new World Rugby rankings table showcases South Africa at the top, followed by Ireland, New Zealand, France, and Argentina in the top five. Scotland’s recent performance nudged them up to sixth, with England at seventh, Australia eighth, Fiji ninth, and Italy dropping to tenth. Wales currently occupies 11th place, with Georgia close behind in 12th. This evolving landscape underscores the competitive nature of international rugby and the constant fluctuations in team rankings.
The discussion surrounding Wales’ potential drop in the rankings has sparked debates about the team’s performance and future prospects in the Six Nations competition. As they prepare to face Italy in a crucial match, the outcome will not only impact their ranking but also shape perceptions of their standing in the international rugby community. With tensions running high and stakes elevated, Welsh rugby fans eagerly await the unfolding events on the field, hoping for a resurgence in form and a climb back up the rankings ladder.