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Big Ireland win sees Wales benefit in World Rugby rankings

Ireland's 43-19 victory over Japan in Cork has seen Wales return to 11th in the World Rugby rankings.

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 1:18 PM
Big Ireland win sees Wales benefit in World Rugby rankings
Key Things to Know
  • Ireland's 43-19 win over Japan allowed Wales to move back up to 11th in the World Rugby rankings.
  • Ireland scored seven tries at Virgin Media Park, including scores from Brittany Hogan and Beibhinn Parsons.
  • Japan missed the opportunity to reach a joint all-time high ranking of 10th with a 15-point victory.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Ireland defeated Japan 43-19 at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Saturday, a result that allowed Wales to return to 11th in the World Rugby rankings. Eilis Cahill, Brittany Hogan, Neve Jones, Anna McGann, Beibhinn Parsons, Alana McInerney, and Sophie Barrett all scored tries in the victory, marking Ireland's second win in their last three autumn fixtures.

Japan entered the match with an opportunity to reach 10th in the world rankings with a victory of 15 points or more, but the defeat allowed Wales to retake the 11th spot. Ireland head coach Scott Bemand will now prepare the squad for an upcoming two-match WXV Global Series tour against the Springbok Women in South Africa.

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