The Flying Fijians have ascended to 9th place in the latest World Rugby rankings, overtaking Australia. This advancement follows their impressive 41-17 victory over Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup final held in Osaka last Saturday.
Throughout the tournament, the Fijians also secured wins against Samoa, Tonga, and the United States, showcasing a series of thrilling matches that captured the attention of rugby fans worldwide. Japan, coached by the renowned Eddie Jones, had made notable progress during the tournament, but ultimately could not match the determination of the Fijian team, which is guided by coach Mick Byrne. Byrne has underscored the significance of nurturing young talent for the future of the sport.
Reflecting on the tournament, Byrne stated, “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 recent victory reinforces Fiji’s promising outlook, as Byrne pointed out that many of the players are still early in their professional journeys. He advocates for their swift inclusion in the test arena, stating, “The sooner we can get them in the test arena, the better it is for the future of the team and for Fiji Rugby.”
In the updated World Rugby Rankings, Fiji’s rise pushes Australia down to 10th place for the first time, while Argentina moves up to 6th. South Africa now holds the second position, with Ireland remaining at the top of the rankings.