womens-rugby
international-womens-matches
Significant changes could occur in the World Rugby standings following this weekend’s matches as the WXV Global Series gets underway.
This Saturday marks the launch of the revamped competition, with both the WXV Global Series and WXV Global Series Challenger initiating an eight-week international window for women’s Test rugby.
If Whitney Hansen’s Black Ferns suffer a defeat of 15 points or more against France in Lyon, Canada has the opportunity to climb back to second place in the standings. However, this is contingent on the North Americans defeating Scotland in Edinburgh.
A French victory—provided they beat New Zealand by 15 points or more and Canada falls by a similar margin—could propel Les Bleues into third place.
For Scotland, securing their first win against Canada since the 1994 Women’s Rugby World Cup would elevate the seventh-ranked team by one spot.
In the event that Scotland, currently under the temporary guidance of head coach Dave Butcher, falls to Canada and Australia draws with the Red Roses in Salford, the Wallaroos will climb to seventh.
Victories for England and Canada, who are both playing lower-ranked opponents, will not result in any upward movement in the standings for either side.
WXV Global Series Challenger
A triumph for Hong Kong China over Brazil will not elevate Tumua Ioane’s squad in the rankings, due to the South American team’s lower position in the active standings.
Conversely, if As Yaras defeat the host nation at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, Guilherme Coghetto’s lineup could leap three spots up the ladder to 22nd, setting a historic high for the squad.
Hong Kong China could even drop down a position despite winning, should the Netherlands defeat Samoa by 15 points or fewer. Samoa is unable to improve their ranking even with a victory.
A Sunday win for Las Leonas could see them overtake their rivals, Fiji. Currently sitting at 14th globally, any kind of victory would propel Spain to 12th place for the first time since 2024.
