France Reclaims Fourth Spot – What It Means for the Global Rankings
The 36‑14 victory over Ireland in the opening match of the 2026 Six Nations has propelled France back to fourth place in the World Rugby Rankings with 88.40 points. Fabien Galthié’s men will now head to Wales for round two with a clear boost in confidence.
Why the Jump Is Significant
- France’s win was the tournament’s first result, making the ranking shift immediate and visible.
- Moving ahead of Ireland restores the French side to a position they have comfortably held for most of the last decade.
- At Six Nations’ official site, the match is highlighted as a “modern championship classic,” underscoring its impact on world standings.
Ireland Drops to Fifth – A Rare Slip
With 86.81 ranking points, Ireland now sits in fifth place. This is the first time since March 2022 that the Irish XV has been outside the top four, though it’s still well above their historic low of ninth place in 2013.
Potential Implications for the Irish Camp
Coach Andy Farrell will need to address the narrow margin – just 1.59 points behind France – as the Six Nations progresses. Maintaining consistency against Wales (scheduled for 21 February) will be crucial if Ireland hopes to climb back into the top four before the World Cup cycle.
Italy’s Steady Ascent – Into the Top Ten
Italy’s win over Scotland lifted the Azzurri to ninth place with 79.81 points. The Italian side, once 15th in 2021, continues a clear upward trajectory.
What Drives Italy’s Rise?
The combination of a solid defensive structure and an increasingly creative attacking unit has paid dividends. As the rankings show, every point gained pushes Italy closer to the coveted top‑eight, a realistic goal if they sustain their current form.
Scotland Hangs On – Barely in the Top Ten
Scotland remains just inside the elite with 79.40 points, a hair’s breadth behind Italy. The narrow gap highlights how volatile the rankings can be after a single round of Six Nations fixtures.
Key Takeaway for the Scots
Future matches against England and Wales will determine whether Scotland can protect its top‑ten status or slip further down. Tiny margins in points per game could craft the difference.
Did You Know?
Every win or loss in the Six Nations can shift a team’s ranking by more than one point, especially when the margin of victory is large – as seen in France’s 22‑point triumph over Ireland.
Pro Tip: Tracking Ranking Changes in Real Time
Bookmark the French Rugby Federation’s match page for live updates on points and standings after each round.
FAQ
- What caused France to overtake Ireland in the rankings?
- The 36‑14 win gave France a points boost to 88.40, surpassing Ireland’s 86.81.
- How close are Italy and Scotland in the rankings?
- Italy leads with 79.81 points, while Scotland trails by just 0.41 points at 79.40.
- Is it common for Ireland to fall out of the top four?
- It’s rare; the last occurrence was in March 2022.
- Can Italy reach the top eight this season?
- If they keep winning and other teams drop points, a top‑eight finish is within reach.
What’s Next?
As the Six Nations unfolds, each match will ripple through the World Rugby Rankings. Keep an eye on the upcoming fixtures – France vs Wales (22 February), Ireland vs England (21 February) – to see how the top ten reshapes itself.
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