Ireland’s dismal Six Nations campaign, culminating in a first ever defeat at the hands of Italy over the weekend, has seen Declan Kidney’s side slip to ninth in the IRB world rankings.

After beating eventual champions Wales on the opening weekend, Ireland failed to register a win in the competition, a string of results that has seen them fall two places in the latest standings.

Although the rankings will not affect Ireland’s seeding for the next World Cup – that cut-off date came after the international series last November – Ireland now find themselves behind Samoa and Argentina.

Wales remain in fifth place, just behind England while New Zealand, South Africa and Australia still occupy the top three spots.