IRELAND HAVE DROPPED to ninth in the latest women’s world rankings on the back of a disastrous World Cup campaign which saw the hosts lose three of their five matches.
Tom Tierney’s side suffered heavy defeats to France, Australia and Wales over the course of the last fortnight and as a result have dropped four places from their pre-tournament position of fifth.
Ireland were the biggest fallers in this morning’s rankings as they slide down to their lowest position since the women’s rankings were introduced by World Rugby in February 2016.
Not only did the two playoff defeats to Australia and Wales (both ranked lower than Ireland) cost the hosts automatic qualification for the 2021 World Cup but some 6.61 rating points — and it would have been worse had they not scored late consolation tries in both games at Kingspan Stadium.
Australia, Wales and Italy all overtake Ireland while world champions New Zealand cemented their position at the summit.
Following Saturday’s 27-17 reversal to Wales in Belfast, head coach Tierney announced his decision to walk away from the job after three years in charge.
Full rankings available here
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here: