RFL pledges support to flood victims

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood has pledged his support and sympathy to the people of Queensland on behalf of all Rugby League fans in the UK following the floods that have devastated vast areas of the Australian state.

As one of the sport’s main strongholds begins to come to terms with the destructive impact of a shocking natural disaster, Wood believes the scenes on TV will touch Rugby League supporters the world over.

“The images we have seen on the news are awful and our thoughts go out to everyone in Brisbane and places like Toowoomba and Ipswich, towns and cities which hold Rugby League as close to their hearts as we do,” said Wood, who has written a personal letter of support to the Queensland Rugby League.

“The next step for us is to decide what practical help we can provide and we are working on a number of initiatives to generate much-needed funds for the flood appeal.

“Rugby League fans have a wonderful track record in showing their generosity of spirit and I feel sure that tradition of people doing what they can to help will continue.

“The fact that the disaster is impacting on Rugby League communities make the scenes all the more touching.”

Links to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal have been posted on the sport’s social media sites Facebook and Twitter and the RFL is planning fund-raising activity over Millennium Magic weekend at Cardiff on February 12 and 13, when over 50,000 fans are expected to attend the spectacular opening to the Engage Super League XVI season.

Before then, Rugby League fans can donate to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal by visiting http://telethon.smartservice.qld.gov.au/