Rugby fans attending the big sell-out Six Nations match between England and Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday will be urged to support Ukraine through collections and a pre-match round of applause to show solidarity.

The RFU will also be flying the distinctive yellow and blue Ukraine flag high above the stadium roof between the England and Ireland flags and British Airways volunteer Ambassadors will be making fund-raising collections for the Disaster Emergency Committee.

The electronic perimeter signage around the pitch will also encourage the 82000-strong crowd to donate via text and the donated returned eco 'glasses' which are now a feature of Twickenham will also benefit the wide range of DEC charities.

A RFU spokesperson told Nub News: "The RFU is encouraging fans at Saturday's Guinness Six Nations England v Ireland match to support collections for the Disasters Emergency Committee at Twickenham Stadium and the wider rugby community to contribute online.

"More than 1.3 million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine. Homes have been destroyed, families separated and at least 1,006 civilian causalities have been confirmed.

These are expected to be considerable underestimates. Health facilities, water supplies and schools have also been damaged or destroyed.

"At Ukraine's borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, huge numbers of people are arriving with only what they can carry and often facing long waits to cross with temperatures dropping below freezing overnight and scant facilities waiting for them on the other side.

"DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and across the border in the neighbouring countries working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.

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"What will happen next is unclear, but with the rugby family's help DEC charities can scale up their response and help families affected by the conflict through this crisis."

A donation of just £30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month. £50 could provide blankets for four families and £100 could provide emergency food for two families for one month.

The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas. In these times of crisis, people in life-and-death situations need our help and their mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has seen an incredibly generous response to its Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to help people affected by the conflict.

The appeal has now raised over £120 million in five days, including £25 million matched by the UK Government.

For more details go to dec.org.uk