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WXV Global Series opens with World Rugby women's rankings set for major shake-up

The WXV Global Series and its Challenger tier launch an eight-week women's international window this weekend, with results capable of reshuffling the World Rugby rankings from second place all the way down to 22nd.

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WXV Global Series opens with World Rugby women's rankings set for major shake-up
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The World Rugby women’s rankings could shift significantly across several positions this weekend as the WXV Global Series and WXV Global Series Challenger kick off an eight-week international window for women’s Test rugby.

Black Ferns, France and Canada in a three-way tussle

The most consequential match of the opening weekend pits New Zealand against France in Lyon. Should Whitney Hansen’s Black Ferns lose by 15 points or more, Canada can climb back to second in the rankings — but only if the North Americans also defeat Scotland in Edinburgh. A French victory of 15 or more, combined with a heavy Canada defeat, could simultaneously lift Les Bleues to third.

For Scotland, the stakes are historic. A win over Canada would be their first against the North Americans since the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1994 and would lift the side — currently seventh — one place up the table. Interim head coach Dave Butcher’s team face a different scenario if they lose: should Australia draw with England’s Red Roses in Salford on the same day, the Wallaroos would move into seventh. Wins for England and Canada, who both face lower-ranked opposition, cannot improve either team’s current standing.

Challenger tier: Brazil and Spain eyeing historic highs

In the WXV Global Series Challenger, tournament hosts Hong Kong China face Brazil at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, but a win for Tumua Ioane’s side cannot lift them any higher due to Brazil’s lower ranking. The reverse result would be far more consequential: a Brazil victory could send Guilherme Coghetto’s As Yaras leaping three places to 22nd — a new high-water mark for the programme. Hong Kong China could even drop a place if they win, should the Netherlands beat Samoa by 15 points or fewer. Samoa cannot improve their ranking regardless of the result.

On Sunday, Spain’s Las Leonas face Fiji with a genuine opportunity to reach 12th in the world — a position they have not held since 2024. Currently ranked 14th, any winning margin will be enough to leapfrog their opponents.

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