Scotland achieve all-time record high in World Rugby Women’s rankings

The national team sit fifth in the world rankings after the convincing 59-15 win over Fiji on Saturday.

Scotland had previously been outside the top 10 in World Rugby rankings as recently as April 2023 but have enjoyed continual improvement in recent months.

Bryan Easson’s side have won 10 of their last 13 Test outings which has helped transform the national team into a top five side.

Scotland leapfrogged Australia in the rankings with the Wallaroos down to sixth after their loss to Ireland. The Irish – up to seventh themselves – defeated Australia 36-10 at the weekend.

Australia now sit half a point behind Scotland on 76.28 points. Scotland maintained their 76.78 score with the win over Fiji.

England top the rankings with New Zealand, Canada and France the other sides ahead of Scotland in the top five.

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A World Rugby statement read: “Ireland’s emphatic 36-10 win over Australia in Belfast on Saturday has led to a shake up in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings, with Scott Bemand’s fast-improving side not the only one to benefit from their record-breaking exploits at Kingspan Stadium. 

“With 1.72 points awarded to Ireland and an identical amount taken away from Australia, the Irish have climbed two places to seventh, while the Wallaroos have dropped one place to sixth as their updated rating of 76.28 points will put them exactly half a point behind Scotland.

“Having preserved their own rating of 76.78 points with a 59-15 win in their first-ever meeting with Fiji, Scotland have filled the gap in fifth, achieving their highest position since the rankings were introduced in February 2016.

“Continual improvement is the theme for a Scottish side outside of the top 10 as recently as April 2023.”