England stretch further in front in World Rugby Women’s Rankings

England’s advantage over New Zealand at the top of the World Rugby Women’s Rankings has increased to 6.34 points after they clinched a sixth straight Guinness Women’s Six Nations title with a 42-21 victory over France in Bordeaux on Saturday.

The Red Roses extended their championship-winning record to 29 games, as they saw off their nearest rivals for the title to complete a hat-trick of Grand Slams with another dominant display.

John Mitchell’s team outscored Les Bleues five tries to two in the first half with Maud Muir, Alex Matthews, Megan Jones, captain Marlie Packer and Amy Cokayne scoring for the visitors.

Marine Ménager and Gabrielle Vernier replied for the hosts who were playing in front of a record crowd of 28,023.

Assia Khalfaoui was sent off early in the second half after a yellow card was upgraded to a red but France defied the numerical disadvantage to score next, with Ménager getting her second try of the match.

But Matthews then followed suit to ensure that England had the final say in a win that boosted their rating by 0.72 points.

With an improved rating of 96.90 points England are now 2.35 points better off than they were this time last year and the gap between themselves and the Black Ferns is now almost five points bigger than it was at the end of the 2023 Women’s Six Nations.

In the earlier matches, home wins for Wales and Ireland were rewarded with both nations climbing the rankings.

Wales’ 22-20 win against Italy in Cardiff not only ensured they avoided their first-ever Women’s Six Nations whitewash but it also moved them above the Azzurre into seventh place in the rankings.

Italy finished their campaign in eighth, one place above Ireland, who moved up a place, above USA, after they beat Scotland 15-12 to claim third place in the standings and qualify for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and WXV 1.

USA had a chance to keep them in 10th but they lost 50-7 at home to Canada in the opening World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2024 match on Sunday so the opportunity was lost and the Women's Eagles now occupy their lowest position since the rankings began in February 2016.

Canada did not receive any points for their ninth consecutive victory over the Women’s Eagles because of the large points differential between the teams and they remain in fourth place, one point and one place behind France.

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