Fiji Climbs to 9th Place in Rugby World Rankings After Pacific Nations Cup Triumph

After a thrilling display of rugby over the weekend, the FIJI Water Flying Fijians have moved to 9th place in the World Rugby rankings following their victory against Japan in the Finals of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup. This remarkable shift comes after a series of exciting test matches that captivated a global audience across various time zones.

Fiji entered the tournament eliminations as leaders of Pool A, defeating through formidable teams like Samoa in Suva, and Tonga in Nuku’alofa. Their semi-final clash against the USA proved challenging, but the Flying Fijians showcased their resilience, pulling away in the final moments to secure their spot in the grand final against the host nation.

Japan, under the leadership of legendary coach Eddie Jones, had also made significant strides in the tournament. However, they fell short against a determined Fijian side, coached by Mick Byrne, who emphasized the importance of developing young talent for the future.

Byrne remarked on the opportunity presented by the tournament: “It’s a great opportunity for us in the PNC to select a good bunch of young players. We know there were some great senior players that did a good job during the World Cup last year, and over the course of the next few years, some of those players will be replaced.”

The victory cements Fiji’s potential, with Byrne highlighting that many of the squad members are still in the early stages of their professional careers. “The sooner we can get them in the test arena, the better it is for the future of the team and for Fiji Rugby,” he added.

In the latest World Rankings, Fiji’s rise pushes Australia to 10th position for the first time, while Argentina climbs to 6th. South Africa now sits in 2nd place, leaving Ireland at the top of the standings.