Wales have moved up to sixth in the IRB World Rankings following Saturday's Six Nations Grand Slam victory over France.

It is the highest position Wales have occupied for two years and represents a jump of four places since coach Warren Gatland took charge in December.

Wales' highest ever place is fifth, which was achieved after the won the Grand Slam in 2005.

Gatland's side are the only Six Nations team to have improved their standing. England remain fifth after closing the tournament with a victory over Ireland, who are also unmoved in eighth spot.

France drop down to seventh from sixth while Scotland also move down one from ninth to 10th.

World champions South Africa remain top of the pile, with New Zealand, Argentina and Australia occupying the next three spots.

IRB World Ranking

1(1) South Africa 90.81

2(2) New Zealand 89.59

3(3) Argentina 87.42

4(4) Australia 84.20

5(5) England 83.36

6(7) Wales 80.12

7(6) France 79.61

8(8) Ireland 77.18

9(10) Fiji 75.88

10(9) Scotland 74.92

11(11) Italy 73.57

12(12) Samoa 71.61

13(13) Tonga 71.51

14(14) Georgia 67.83

15(15) Canada 67.25

16(17) Russia 67.07

17(16) Romania 66.17

18(18) Japan 65.35

19(19) USA 64.68

20(20) Uruguay 63.18

(previous ranking in brackets)

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport