Australia are the new number one side in the world after winning the Paralympics ©Getty Images

Paralympic champions Australia have climbed to the top of the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) world rankings after their dramatic gold medal success at Rio 2016.

The London 2012 champions successfully defended their crown by beating the United States in the final, but they needed double overtime to do it at the Carioca Arena 1.

Ryley Batt scored the decisive goal for the Australians, who eventually secured a 59-58 victory.

To add insult to injury for the Americans, they have now lost their number one spot in the world rankings to Australia, who have leap-frogged them from second place.

The change is the only amendment made to the standings following Rio 2016, with Paralympic bronze medallists Japan still ranked third.

The United States lost their number one position after a thrilling final defeat in Rio ©Getty Images
The United States lost their number one position after a thrilling final defeat in Rio ©Getty Images

Canada, who lost to the Japanese in the clash for the third step on the podium, remain fourth ahead of Great Britain, Sweden, France, Denmark, New Zealand and Germany respectively.

The US, the Beijing 2008 Paralympic champions, had moved to the top of the IWRF rankings in June when they secured their sixth consecutive Canada Cup title to replace the Canadians in the number one spot.

The Canadians, who could only manage a fourth-place finish at their home tournament, slipped from the summit to fourth following the event.