The final World Rugby rankings of the season have been released, bringing a welcome boost for Wales as they end the campaign in 12th place. This marks a significant turnaround after a brutal stretch of 18 consecutive Test defeats dating back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
00:00The final World Rugby rankings of the season have been released, bringing a welcome boost for Wales as they end the campaign in 12th place.
00:10This marks a significant turnaround after a brutal stretch of 18 consecutive tester fees dating back to 2023 in the Rugby World Cup in France.
00:21Welsh fans had initial cause for celebration earlier this month when Matt Sherratt's side secured a morale-boosting victory over Japan in the second of two matches on tour.
00:32That win not only lifted the weight of a long losing streak but also propelled Wales back up the global rankings.
00:39They had fallen to a record-low 14th place after their initial loss to Japan, who overtook Wales alongside Samoa.
00:45This summer's threatened Wales seeding for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, with the draw scheduled for December.
00:54And I think as a character, Steve brings enormous EQ, emotional intelligence to it.
00:59He's a collaborator, he's someone who embodies learning and development himself, and I think those are the sort of qualities that are really going to try and get the best out of our group of players.
01:08The expanded tournament will feature 24 teams, divided into six pools of four, seeding according to the rankings.
01:16Being outside the top 12 by then would prove Wales as third band of the seedings, risking the pool of death against two of the world's best teams.
01:25Thankfully, the recent win ensured Wales remain 12th, just behind Georgia.
01:30Wales face a challenging autumn schedule with Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa and a third clash with Japan.
01:37All visiting Cardiff.
01:39A single win could secure their spot in the second banding for the World Cup draw.
01:45New Zealand edged closer to top spot after beating France, who slipped from the top three, with England and Scotland closing in on higher positions.
01:55Something the WIU have admitted they're fully aware of.
01:58This reshaped ranking landscape set for the thrilling autumn campaign, where every point Wales earn will count to secure their future on rugby's biggest stage and make a return to somewhere they used to take for granted.
