(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
South Africa Enters Top 10 in Women’s Rugby Rankings After Historic Win
South Africa’s Women’s Rugby team is set to make history by entering the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings for the first time. The official update will be released at noon on Monday.
The Springbok Women’s achieved this milestone after a thrilling 29-24 victory over Italy on Sunday. This win moves them up two places to 10th, surpassing their previous best of 11th. Meanwhile, Wales drops to a record-equaling low of 11th.
Before the match, Italy was ranked four places above South Africa and had nearly eight more rating points. Now, following South Africa’s first-ever win against the Azzurre, the two teams are separated by just one ranking spot and 0.75 points.
In other tournament action, France defeated Brazil 84-5, securing their place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. This marks a historic moment for South Africa, as their narrow victory represents one of the biggest upsets in Women’s Rugby World Cup history since the rankings were introduced in February 2016.
Earlier in York, the USA held Australia to a 31-31 draw, which, combined with Italy’s loss, lifted the USA one place to 8th in the rankings. The top seven positions remain unchanged.
Updated Top 12 Women’s Rugby Rankings:
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England – 97.76
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Canada – 90.13
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New Zealand – 88.74
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France – 85.82
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Ireland – 78.82
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Scotland – 77.39
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Australia – 75.46
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USA – 72.91
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Italy – 72.37
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South Africa – 71.62
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Wales – 70.13
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Japan – 68.82
South Africa’s rise into the top 10 highlights the growing strength of women’s rugby and promises an exciting path ahead in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
