Qualification for the 2008 World Cup has lifted Ireland and Scotland up the European rankings.

The Celtic nations are now seeded three and four respectively, behind England and France, taking the places of Wales and Lebanon, who miss out on a trip to Australia in the autumn.

The Rugby League European Federation seedings list is reviewed on an annual basis and based on both international results, which includes the successful completion of home and away representative fixtures, and levels of domestic activity.

Serbia and the Czech Republic have improved their positions, while Latvia have moved up from official observer status to be ranked 14th.

RLEF chairman Richard Lewis said: "The rankings reflect the spread of the sport across the continent and the Federation will continue to work in partnership with all nations to sustain this and make further progress."

Rankings: 1 England, 2 France, 3 Ireland, 4 Scotland, 5 Lebanon, 6 Wales, 7 Russia, 8 Serbia, 9 Germany, 10 Czech Republic, 11 Greece, 12 Malta, 13 Italy, 14 Latvia, 15 Estonia, 16 Morocco.

Sporting Life / Eurosport