The board of European Rugby League is keeping in direct contact with Ukraine Rugby League through their president Artur Martyrosian Jr, offering their unreserved support to the nation after the unjustifiable actions of Russia by invading the sovereign state.

In a statement the board noted: “We stand full square behind the courageous people of Ukraine and their resistance to this unprovoked attack. They are fighting for a set of values and principles that are, in essence, part of our core beliefs in rugby league; respect, brother/sisterhood and common cause.

Many members of the Ukraine Federation of Rugby League are fighting for their country and we admire their bravery and respect their stand, the sooner they are able to return to the rugby league field the better our world will be. Our friends in Ukraine are constantly in our thoughts at this time.”