European Rugby League offer their “unreserved support” to Ukraine

Drew Darbyshire
Ukraine Rugby League

The European Rugby League board say they are offering their “unreserved support” to Ukraine Rugby League after the invasion of Russia. 

The ERL board are in constant dialogue with the Ukrainian Federation of Rugby League through their president Artur Martyrosian Jr.

A statement from the ERL read: “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.” 

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Ukraine call for International Rugby League to suspend Russia and Belarus

The Ukrainian Federation of Rugby League has called for the International Rugby League to suspend Russia and Belarus from any form of participation.

The UFRL says it is breaking all connections with their Russian and Belarusian counterparts.

A statement from the Ukrainian Federation of Rugby League read: “Ukrainian Federation of Rugby League is breaking all connections with the aggressors – Russia and Belarus!!

“Until these countries change and condemn the criminal authorities that supported the attack on Ukraine our teams will not participate in any competitions in Russia and Belarus and will not host these teams in Ukraine!!

“Also, we ask rugby league umbrella organisations – European Rugby League and International Rugby League – to isolate teams from Russia and Belarus from participating in any international rugby league competitions until the criminal regimes of Governments in these countries are changed.

“Glory to Ukraine!!!”

RFL in support of Ukraine

The Rugby Football League has replied to the statement made by Martyrosian.

The RFL statement read: “The RFL has conveyed our support to the people of Ukraine through a personal message to Artur Martyrosian, the President of the Ukraine Rugby League.

“We admire their courage and strength, and we deplore the actions of the Russian Government.

“We will work with International Rugby League to determine suitable actions.”

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