New Zealand drop to lowest ever rugby world ranking, Ireland top

UNDER PRESSURE: New Zealand head coach Ian Foster. Pic: INPHO/Photosport/Aaron Gillions

Ireland have maintained their position at the top of the rugby world rankings while New Zealand have dropped to their lowest ever position of fifth.

While the Northern hemisphere nations are on their summer holidays or preparing for pre-season, the Southern hemisphere sides began their Rugby Championship campaigns this weekend.