Malta move up three places in IRB rankings

The Malta rugby team moved up three places in the International Rugby Board (IRB) rankings following their impressive victory over Sweden at the Hibs Stadium.

Last weekend, Damien Neill’s men overcame the second-half dismissal of Joss Howlands to secure a stunning 22-14 victory over leaders Sweden and go second in Division 2A.

Fullback James O’Brien turned in a man-of-the-match performance with a 17-point haul that included a late game-winning try. Oliver Sacco scored Malta’s other try in what was the team’s third successive victory in Division 2A.

Malta were ranked 44th before their home match against Sweden but their success lifted them to 41st in the world with 41.89 points – the best placing since the country made its debut in FIRA-AER competitions back in 2000.

The Maltese rugby players have the chance to further climb the IRB rankings next weekend if they manage to beat Croatia, ranked 51st in the world, in Zagreb on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sweden have dropped two places in the international list and are now placed 37th.