
worldfootynews.com is pleased to present our inaugural list of statistically based World Rankings using a modified version of the system proposed by Cam Homes earlier in the year (which was in turn inspired by the IRB rankings system). Note that we stand by our 2006 and 2008 rankings, but as of August 8th 2010 we now defer to our new statistical system. We emphasise none of these are official rankings as anointed by the international Leagues or the widely recognised world governing body, the AFL, but given a lack of a recognised alternative, we hope they provide a talking point and become respected enough to at least play a de-facto official role.
The honorary top spot is awarded to Australia until such time that a credible argument can be made that they do not deserve that position. Second spot goes to reigning International Cup champions and three time IC Grand Finalists Papua New Guinea. They narrowly edge out 2005 IC winners New Zealand.
There is a substantial gap to a tight bunch of three, headed by inaugural European Championship winners Ireland in 4th, followed by IC2008 surprise packets Nauru (5th) and the United States (6th). The top 10 is rounded out by the rising stars of South Africa (7th), European Championships runners-up Denmark (8th), Samoa (9th) and Great Britain (10th), who dropped valuable points with a relatively low finish at the recent European tournament.