England still third in RLIF world rankings

England have remained third in the RLIF world rankings, despite their recent victory over New Zealand.

Australia remain top of the pile having secured their second successive World Cup triumph before Christmas, beating England 6-0 in the final Down Under.

The Kiwis remain second despite that defeat in Denver, and also their early exit from the World Cup at the quarter-final stage after shock defeats to Tonga and Fiji.

World Cup semi-finalists Tonga have consolidated fourth position in the rankings after their recent 38-22 victory over Samoa.

RLIF CEO Nigel Wood said: “The twice-yearly world rankings not only reflect achievement but also the increased level of rugby league being played across the globe.

“It is another impetus behind planning more international fixtures and tournaments to cater for the greater demand of nations to test themselves at the highest level.

“The progress in South America is encouraging and the beginning of the road to the next World Cup in England should see more moves in the rankings by the end of the year.

“It is significant to see the ambition of nations such as Tonga, and I wish them well in their discussions to arrange fixtures that will whet the appetite of spectators and players across the world.”

The world rankings are based on a five year period of sanctioned Test matches, with more recent games carrying a greater value. Calculation is also based on the ranking of the opposition faced.

1. Australia                100.0%
2. New Zealand         72.7%
3. England                 70.4%
4. Tonga                    28.0%
5. Fiji                         25.8%
6. Samoa                   25.5%
7. Scotland                24.5%
8. France                   18.3%
9. Lebanon                13.9%
10. PNG                      12.4%
11. Ireland                   10.6%
12. Wales                    8.0%
13. Italy                       7.4%
14. USA                      7.1%
15. Jamaica                5.2%
16. Canada                 5.1%
17. Serbia                   4.4%
18. Malta                     3.8%
19. Norway                  2.7%
20. Russia                  2.6%
21. Hungary                2.3%
22. Spain                    2.3%
23. Belgium                2.3%
24. Czech Republic    2.2%
25. Ukraine                 2.1%
26. Greece                  1.9%
27. Philippines            1.9%
28. Netherlands          1.4%
29. Sweden                1.4%
30. Germany              1.3%
31. Cook Islands        1.3%
32. South Africa         1.3%
33. Chile                     1.2%
34. Niue                      1.1%
35. Denmark               0.8%
36. Vanuatu                 0.8%
37. El Salvador           0.7%
38. Thailand                0.7%
39. Argentina              0.6%
40. Colombia              0.6%
41. Japan                    0.4%
42. Solomon Islands   0.4%
43. Brazil                     0.3%
44. Uruguay                0.3%
45. Hong Kong            0.2%
46. Bulgaria                0.1%
47. Latvia                    0.1%
48. Morocco                0