Big jump for Ireland as latest World Rugby Rankings released
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Ranked.
The Six Nations weekend didn’t just flip the championship table — it’s caused a significant shift in the World Rugby Rankings, with Ireland among the big movers.
Andy Farrell’s side were the headline risers after their statement win at Twickenham. The 42–21 dismantling of England didn’t just send Irish fans into overdrive — it pushed Ireland up two places in the global standings to third.
Ireland now sit just behind South Africa and New Zealand — rarefied air that underlines how quickly momentum can build.
There was less positive movement for others. Despite securing a win of their own, France slipped a place to fourth, leapfrogged by Ireland’s surge. It’s a reminder that in the rankings system, margin and opposition matter just as much as the result itself.
Meanwhile, Scotland were also rewarded for their efforts, climbing two spots after a dramatic victory in Cardiff. Their rise came at the expense of Australia, who dropped to eighth despite not playing — collateral damage in a tightly packed top ten.
For England, the fall was immediate and bruising. The Twickenham defeat saw them slide to fifth, intensifying scrutiny on a campaign that has struggled for rhythm.
The latest reshuffle paints a clear picture. One big performance can lift you into the top tier; one heavy loss can send you tumbling. With more Six Nations drama to come, the rankings may not be finished moving just yet.
