SPORTS

Canadian women climb to No. 3 in latest World Rugby rankings

The Canadian Press

Published Monday, November 25, 2019 12:09PM EST

Canada celebrates winning the gold at the end of the women's rugby seven match against the United States at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, Sunday, July 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Text:

TORONTO -- Helped by a pair of wins over the U.S., Canada has moved up one spot to No. 3 in World Rugby women's rankings.

The Americans dropped one place to sixth after the 19-0 and 52-7 losses to Canada in California.

New Zealand remains atop the standings, followed by England. Canada, meanwhile, returned to third for the first time since June.

France fell one rung to fourth while Australia moved past the Americans into fifth. The rest of the top 10 was unchanged with Italy seventh followed by Wales, Spain and Ireland.

Japan was a big mover, climbing 15 places to a career-high No. 12 after drawing Italy 17-17 and beating Scotland 24-20.

The Canadian men are ranked 22nd in the world.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2019.