The New Zealand Kiwis have moved to number one in the International Rugby League world rankings which have been announced after the conclusion of the 2019 international programme.

The Kiwis have built on their 2018 victories over Australia and England and their recent successes against Great Britain and Tonga to take the number one position.

Tonga remain in fourth spot but their historic victory over the second-placed Kangaroos has meant that they close the gap on England who now sit in third place.

New Zealand coach, Michael Maguire said “This is a great honour and it is good to be recognised but we know that the Kangaroos hold the silverware and that is our ultimate ambition.

“The International Rugby League Oceania Cup is a fantastic development for the Kiwis and the nations in this region. It provides a meaningful competition and is a real focus for our international programme.”

Papua New Guinea is one of the big movers in both the men’s and women’s rankings. The men have been recognised for their progress in the past 12 months as they move from 10^th to 6^th place and in the women’s section, from 6^th place to 4^th.

Kumuls head coach, Michael Marum sees the rise up the rankings as a natural part of their journey saying: “The PNG Kumuls going from 10^th spot to 6^th spot is really good for us. We can only go higher with more international fixtures.”

Orchids coach, Bagelo Solien commented:

“Going up two spots from 6^th to 4^th is pleasing after two test matches and we can only get better from here. It is good for the Women’s game nationally and internationally”

Commenting on the latest rankings, International Rugby League chief executive officer, Nigel Wood said:

“Firstly, I would like to congratulate New Zealand on achieving their number one position. It is fully deserved based upon their recent excellent performances with 4 wins from their last 5 international games.

“Tonga has possibly been the story of the recent internationals and they deserve all the plaudits that they have received. They have certainly cemented their place as a genuine top four-nation and, along with other Pacific nations, throws the competition wide open for Rugby League World Cup 2021.”

Latest Rankings November 2019

Men      

1. New Zealand +3
2. Australia -1
3. England – 1
4. Tonga =
5. Fiji =
6. PNG +4
7. Samoa =
8. France -2
9. Scotland -1
10. Lebanon -1
11. Greece =5
12. Ireland =
13. Italy +1
14. Wales -3
15. Serbia +4
16. Malta +1
17. Norway +1
18. USA -3
19. Poland +4
20. Jamaica -7
21. Hungary -1
22. Czech Republic -3
23. Cook Islands +5
24. Turkey +7
25. Netherlands -1
26. Spain +4
27. Canada -6
28. Nigeria New
29. Solomon Islands -2
30. Sweden +10
31. Germany +4
32. Chile +1
33. Ghana New
34. Morocco +16
35. Vanuatu -3
36. South Africa =
37. Russia – 8
38. Cameroon New
39. Ukraine -2
40. Colombia +1
41. Brazil +4
42. Belgium =
43. Denmark +4
44. Bulgaria +4
45. Latvia +4

Women

1. Australia =
2. New Zealand =
3. England =
4. Papua New Guinea +2
5. Canada -1
6. France -1
7. Cook Islands -2
8. Italy =
9. Serbia New
10. Fiji New
11. Turkey New
12. Samoa New
13. Brazil New
14. Lebanon -6