ARU launch Tsunami aid effort

The Australian Rugby Union said Sunday it will make a cash donation and launch a series of fund-raising initiatives to assist tsunami victims in Samoa and Tonga.

Tsunami waves spawned by a massive 8.0-magnitude undersea quake last Tuesday have left at least 180 people dead in Samoa, American Samoa and neighbouring Tonga.

The ARU said it will donate 10,000 dollars (8,700 US) along with training and playing equipment and will organise a collection at the Wallabies' public training session here on Thursday ahead of their tour to Britain and Ireland.

Wallaby players are also prepared to raffle or auction gear, including playing jerseys and boots, in a bid to raise further funds, the ARU said.

"This tragedy has affected so many lives and rugby has a part to play in helping the people of Samoa and Tonga on the road to recovery," ARU managing director John O'Neill said in a statement.

"We have been told by the Samoan Rugby Union that there are young men in those villages who will be keen to return to some sense of normality by starting to play rugby again.

"That is why we will be sending as much as we can in the way of rugby clothing and equipment."

Other international rugby bodies have also offered assistance to the stricken Pacific Island communities.

The New Zealand Rugby Union organised collections at domestic matches this weekend. Welsh and French authorities plan fund-raising ventures around Tests against Samoa in Cardiff and Paris next month.

AFP