The rankings were introduced following a comprehensive process of obtaining and analysing every result from the first official women’s international matches dating back to 1987 and are based on the same criteria as the men’s rankings.
Fans will not have to wait long for some big rankings clashes as three of the top five teams will go head-to-head during this year’s RBS 6 Nations, which kicks off this weekend.
The new system, which came into effect on Monday, will be a weighted system with the number of points available to the winning team proportional to the difference in ranking points between the teams prior to the match.
The introduction of the women’s rankings furthers anticipation ahead of an exciting 18 months of test rugby that will culminate in the much-anticipated Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 in Ireland.
“World Rugby is committed to driving forward the competitiveness of the women’s game and the new rankings are yet another significant milestone,” said World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
“After the success of Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014 and the excitement building up to the next edition in 2017 in Ireland, it’s vital for international teams to have a rankings focus that will drive exposure and interest as well as increasing the competition schedule, as it encourages member unions to play more test matches.
Women’s Rugby World Cup winner with England, Rachael Burford, who also sits on the Rugby Committee and Athletes’ Commission, added: “It’s great to see an official rankings system introduced to the women’s game.
“I believe they will really add an extra competitive edge for the upcoming RBS 6 Nations and other international test matches in the future, which can only be good for the game.
“The rankings will also give an extra boost to the promotion of the women’s game around the world.”
The criteria for the World Rugby Women’s Rankings are in keeping with the men’s rankings system and will be updated after all women’s Test matches.
Source: African News Agency (ANA)
