Ireland have dropped to their lowest World Rugby ranking in nearly four years.
A 36-14 defeat to France in Paris on Thursday night saw the Irish slip to fifth – a position they last occupied in March 2022 – with Les Bleus climbing to fourth.
Italy and Scotland also swapped places following the Azzurri’s 18-15 win in Rome on Saturday, with the Scots dropping to 10th.
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Third-ranked England did not gain any ranking points despite thrashing 11th-ranked Wales 48-7 at Twickenham, due to the 15.18-point differential between the teams.
World Rugby rankings (Top 15)
1. South Africa 93.94
2. New Zealand 90.33
3. England 89.41
4. (↑1) France 88.40 (+1.16)
5. (↓1) Ireland 86.81 (-1.16)
6. Argentina 84.97
7. Australia 81.53
8. Fiji 81.14
9. (↑1) Italy 79.81 (+0.82)
10. (↓1) Scotland 79.40 (-0.82)
11. Wales 74.23
12. Japan 74.09
13. Georgia 73.18
14. Uruguay 69.19
15. Spain 69.01
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
