Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/618165
56 56 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2015 RUGBY Sport WE APOLOGISE FOR THE INTERRUPTION IN SERVICE AS FROM 24TH DECEMBER 2015. NORMAL SERVICE WILL RESUME ON 4TH JANUARY 2016. WISHING YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR www.mps.com.mt Malta Rugby League moves to 18th in world rankings MALTA has moved up to a record high world ranking of 18th after the Rugby League In- ternational Federation (RLIF) issued the latest update of the standings. Moving up five places from 23rd, Malta was helped in the latest update with their thrill- ing 35-34 win over Belgium in June where vice-captain Danny Burke dropped the winning field goal in the final moments of the match. In September, against sixth ranked Ireland at Pembroke, the Maltese led until the 56th minute before going down 34- 22, another result that will have boosted Malta's move. The Malta team is now coached by player-coach Chris Parker after Australian-Maltese coach Anthony Micallef stepped aside in September after six years at the helm. Malta, known as the Knights, have been known to field large- ly Malta based players in their team, the latest squad to face Spain saw only five players who ply their trade in foreign leagues. At the top of the world rank- ings, New Zealand maintained their first position, closely fol- lowed by Australia and England. Spain, who defeated Malta 40- 30 in September, also climbed five places up to 21st. 1 (1) New Zealand 2 (2) Australia 3 (3) England 4 (4) Samoa 5 (5) France 6 (7) Ireland 7 (6) Fiji 8 (9) Wales 9 (8) Scotland 10 (10) USA 11 (14) Serbia 12 (12) Italy 13 (13) Canada 14 (11) PNG 15 (16) Russia 16 (15) Tonga 17 (18) Belgium 18 (23) Malta 19 (19) Germany 20 (20) Lebanon 21 (26) Spain 22 (17) Cook Islands 23 (22) Ukraine 24 (24) Greece 25 (27) Denmark 26 (21) Norway 27 (29) Jamaica 28 (25) Netherlands 29 (31) Sweden 30 (30) Czech Republic RLIF World Rankings Top 30