World Rankings: New European country move into the Top 30 for the first time

Meanwhile. Lithuania and Ukraine traded places in the rankings, moving to 37th and 38th respectively, despite both sides beginning their Conference 1 North campaigns on a winning note.

With a six-place rise to 69th, Slovenia were the biggest climbers of the weekend. A 30-21 win away to Serbia in Conference 2 North saw them pick up 1.13 points to boost their tally to 38.81, but the result was in doubt until the latter stages after a back-and forth game.