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international women
Wales have fallen to their lowest ever position in the world rugby rankings after Fiji beat Japan last weekend.
On Friday afternoon in Fukuoka, Willie Walker’s Fijiana XV managed a 15-12 win against their hosts, the Sakura Fifteen to overtake a side they stunned in the group stage of the women’s competition. Rugby World Cup in 2025
The result means Fiji rose to a new highest position of 12th in the World Rugby Rankings, while Wales fell to their lowest ever ranking (13th).
Wales have not won a test since July 2025, when they did Australia 21-12 in Brisbane. At Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Sean Lynn’s team went winless and ended the tournament with a 28-25 loss to Fiji. At the Guinness Women’s Choice for 2026 Six Nations side picked up the third wooden spoon in a row.
In Japan, Fiji opened the scoring after eight minutes when Ivamere Nabura crossed the penalty spot. Tries to Varanisese Qoro and Aqela Raitubu proved to be the difference for the Pacific Islands.
Japan played its first game under the leadership of new coach Toshizumi Kitagawa. His team scored their first try through Nami Asari and saw the try converted by Maiko Nishi. Asuka Kuge added Sakura Fifteen’s second in the 56th minute.
Japan will play now WXV Global Series fixtures against Italy and Ireland September, when they will play Fiji WXV Global Series Challenger match against Spain, Hong Kong China and the Netherlands.
Elsewhere, there was no movement for the Springbok Women or Black Ferns after their encounter on Saturday afternoon.
A win of either kind could have catapulted the Springbok Women three places up the ladder to seventh. A win by at least 15 points would move last year’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup surprise package into sixth place.
At Soweto’s FNB Stadium, the Black Ferns recorded a comprehensive 52-20 victory against South Africa in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry curtain raiser.
After overcoming a stiff challenge from the Springboks in the first 30 minutes, tries from Elinor-Plum King, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Chryss Viliko, Maia Joseph, Amarante Sititi and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu helped Whitney Hansen’s side to a comprehensive victory.
