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pacific-nations-cup
Eddie Jones’ Japan are back in World Rugby Top 10 Rankings after their 20-15 win Fiji in the final of Asahi Pacific Nations Cup at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.
It was third time lucky for Japan, who have been beaten by Fiji in the last two finals, with tries from Mamoru Harada, Ben Gunter and Samisoni Tu and five points from the boot of Sam Greene seeing the Brave Blossoms claim the title.
Japan have now moved above Fiji in the rankings as a result of the win, gaining three places to move up to ninth. That’s the most Asian rugby players in the rankings since March 2023, and the first time they’ve been in the top 10 since August of that year.
Meanwhile, Fiji has lost a place and is now 10th, leading to Wales lose their place in the top 10 and Italy also loses place, with two Six Nations the teams are now ranked 11th and 12th.
Canada they were also awarded a higher seed for their 19-16 victory over the United States in the third-place decider of the Pacific Nations Cup.
Backing up their 34-20 win over the Eagles in last year’s contest, Canada jumped two spots to 22nd, their highest position since November 2024.
USA have fallen one place to 15th, with Portugal side to replace them in the 14th.
Less than three points in the rankings now cover the teams ranked 15th through 20th, which is likely to lead to a lot more movement when Nations Rugby World Cup continues in November.
World Rugby Rankings Top 10*
1. South Africa – 95.09
2. New Zealand – 91.15
3. Ireland – 88.08
4. France – 87.43
5. England – 85.68
6. Scotland – 84.78
7. Australia – 83.55
8. Argentina – 82.24
9. Japan – 77.28
10. Fiji – 76.81
*When officially updated by World Rugby on Monday at 12:00 (BST).
