Japan's Pacific Nations Cup win pushes Wales out of world top ten
Japan's victory over Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup lifts them to ninth in the World Rugby rankings, causing Wales to drop to eleventh without playing.
In Tokyo, Japan secured its first Pacific Nations Cup title since 2019 by edging Fiji 20-15, with Samisoni Tua scoring a decisive try in the closing minutes. The triumph raises the Brave Blossoms to ninth in the World Rugby rankings, while Fiji drops to tenth and Wales, having not yet played this weekend, falls to eleventh, exiting the top ten. Wales will face Japan in the opening match of the autumn Nations Championship in November, after narrowly beating them in Cardiff last year.
The contest also marked the 11th anniversary of Japan’s historic 2015 victory over South Africa. After the game, head coach Eddie Jones highlighted the importance of winning at home for the team's development.
Why it matters
The ranking shift removes Wales from the top ten and sets the stage for their upcoming test against a rising Japan side.
In this story
