England down to eighth in rankings after Rugby World Cup exit
Monday 5 October 2015 11:58, UK
England have dropped to eighth in the world rankings following their World Cup exit.
The latest rankings, released by World Rugby, show Stuart Lancaster's side have dropped to their lowest-ever position after they became the first host nation to exit the World Cup without reaching the knockout stages.
England had already fallen to sixth following their loss to Wales but a further defeat to Australia last weekend has seen them fall another two places.
If England were to drop outside the top eight it would leave them at risk of being placed into the third group of seeds when the draw for the 2019 World Cup takes place.
It was a similar scenario that saw Wales placed in the same pool as England and Australia for this World Cup when the draw was made back in December 2012 - although World Rugby have already indicated the draw for RWC 2019 will be made closer to the tournament.
Australia's victory has moved them up a place behind New Zealand to second with Wales down a place to third.
South Africa (4th), France (6th) and Argentina (7th) are all also up one place while - outside the top 10 - Samoa have dropped to their lowest ever ranking of 15.
World Rugby rankings:
1 New Zealand 92.89
2 Australia 89.33
3 Wales 87.31
4 South Africa 84.58
5 Ireland 84.4
6 France 81.12
7 Argentina 80.49
8 England 79.77
9 Scotland 77.13
10 Fiji 76.96
