Welsh Feathers Soar to Historic Sixth Place in World Netball Rankings

The Welsh Feathers have reached a monumental milestone in their netball journey, securing sixth place in the World Netball Rankings for the first time in history. This achievement comes on the heels of an undefeated 2024-2025 campaign, marking a significant moment for Wales Netball.

A Testament to Hard Work

Sara Moore, Head of Performance for Wales Netball, described the achievement as "an incredible milestone." She emphasized the dedication of the team, stating, "This ranking is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and talent of our players, coaches, and staff. We are proud of this historic moment and are focused on building on this success as we head towards the Netball World Cup in 2027."

The Road Ahead

With the Netball World Cup set to take place in Australia in 2027, the Welsh Feathers are determined to maintain their position among the world's elite. Emily Handyside, the team's head coach, will play a pivotal role in guiding the team through this crucial period.

Funding and Future Growth

Sarah Boswell, Chief Executive of Wales Netball, highlighted the importance of increased investment to sustain and build on this success. "Women's sport isn't an add-on; it's a powerhouse deserving of real, long-term commitment," Boswell stated. She called for accelerated investment in financial, structural, and cultural aspects of the game to strengthen the entire ecosystem, from coaching pathways to grassroots development.

Celtic Cup Triumph

The Welsh Feathers' rise in the rankings was further bolstered by their victory in the inaugural Celtic Cup in November 2024, where they triumphed over Scotland, Zimbabwe, and Northern Ireland. This added to their growing reputation on the international stage.

Current Rankings

While the top five remains unchanged—led by Australia, followed by New Zealand, Jamaica, and England—Wales' current rating of 124 places them just 39 points behind fifth-placed South Africa. Uganda follows closely behind, making the competition fierce as the Feathers aim to climb even higher.

Looking Forward

With major events on the horizon, including the Youth World Cup in Gibraltar in 2025 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026, the Welsh Feathers are poised to continue their ascent in the world of netball.