England could emerge as the biggest losers from the opening weekend of the 2026 Six Nations.
While the Springboks and All Blacks are safely untouchable at the summit of the World Rugby rankings after round one, the chasing pack behind them is anything but settled. England, Ireland and France all start the championship unable to gain enough points to threaten the top two, but England stand alone in one crucial respect.
Steve Borthwick’s side are the only team in the top five who cannot improve their ranking in round one. Even a comfortable win over Wales at Twickenham would leave England stuck where they are. Lose, however, and the fall could be steep.
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🪜 World Rugby rankings: Six Nations could shake up the top 10 but Springboks and All Blacks are safe from the drop. https://t.co/EoxVWaEl21
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) February 4, 2026
England currently sit third in the world but could drop as low as fifth if results elsewhere turn against them.
A shock Welsh victory in London would be particularly costly. Wales would gain significant ranking points, while England would lose ground immediately. Even a draw would hurt England, costing them a point while Wales gain one.
The pressure is compounded by events in Paris. Ireland and France meet at the Stade de France, with the winner guaranteed to finish the weekend as the higher-ranked of the two. If England stumble against Wales and either Ireland or France win, England will drop at least one place – possibly more.
Italy and Scotland also have rankings at stake, with the winner of their clash ending the weekend higher on the ladder, adding further volatility to the top 10.
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