The Rugby League International Federation released the game's new official World Rankings following a highly successful 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

The rankings are based on a two year cycle of results and take into consideration a number of factors including regular competition within international tournaments.

Australia maintains its top spot courtesy of having defeated recently-crowned World Champions New Zealand three times in their past four encounters.

The RLWC 08 winners are in second spot with England at third despite their poor showing in the tournament, after whitewashing the Kiwis in the 2007 Gillette Test Series.

Fiji has edged out France and Papua New Guinea to take fourth spot on the strength of reaching the semi final of the World Cup while Ireland and Scotland have both secured a top ten spot.

Rugby League International Federation Chairman Colin Love AM said the rankings would add further spice to this year's Four Nations between Australia, New Zealand, England and France, which is set for the Northern Hemisphere this autumn.

"There are going to be some terrific match-ups in the Four Nations and the battle for the world's number one ranking is sure to be a highlight," Love said today.

"There's no doubt that New Zealand will want to secure the top world ranking to go along with their deserved status of 2008 World Cup Champions.

"The Kangaroos meanwhile would still be hurting from their World Cup final loss and will be hoping to reassert their dominance under new coach Tim Sheens.

"It all points towards an exciting time ahead for international Rugby League."

Wales go into this autumn's Rugby League European Cup in twelfth position, one place behind Lebanon which will also be involved in that tournament.

Rugby League European Federation Chairman and International Federation Deputy Chairman Richard Lewis said: "Last year's World Cup was a huge success for the growth of international Rugby League and it is fantastic to see such a diverse number of nations now making up the rankings.

"Great progress is being made at all levels internationally and that good work is set to continue in 2009 with a number of exciting international tournaments planned."

The following countries are unranked but recognised with 'official observer status' due to the presence of development personnel establishing the roots of the game within their borders:

Catalonia, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, United Arab Emirates, Solomon Islands, Panama, Cuba, Hungary, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Denmark, Netherlands.

World Rankings as of March 2009
Rank	Team	Change
1	Australia	--
2	New Zealand	--
3	England	--
4	Fiji	▲2
5	France	--
6	Papua New Guinea	▲1
7	Ireland	▲2
8	Tonga	▼4
9	Scotland	▲2
10	Samoa	▲2
11	Lebanon	▼3
12	Wales	▼2
13	Russia	--
14	Cook Islands	▲3
15	United States	▼1
16	Serbia	▲4
17	Japan	▲11
18	Italy	▼2
19	Germany	▲3
20	Czech Republic	NEW
21	Latvia	NEW
22	Estonia	▲7
23	South Africa	▲7
24	Jamaica	NEW
25	Morocco	▲3
26	Greece	▼5
27	Malta	▼8
28	Ukraine	NEW
29	Niue	▼3
30	Tokelau	▼6