The explosion in Beirut has ravaged Lebanon's capital ©Getty Images

The Lebanese Rugby League Federation (LRLF) is appealing for support from the sport's worldwide community to help raise money to aid relief efforts in the country following the deadly explosions in Beirut earlier this month.

More than 160 people have died and an estimated 300,000 people have been left homeless after the blasts in the port city on August 4.

The explosions, believed to have been caused by a store of ammonium nitrate in a warehouse, also caused more than $10 billion (£7.6 billion/€8.4 billion) in property damage.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by the LRLF to support the relief effort and the Lebanese first responders.

International Rugby League (IRL) has vowed to support the LRLF initiative, with chief executive Nigel Wood urging its members to get involved.

"The international rugby league community has previously come together to support members when devastation has struck their region," Wood said.

"IRL is keen to help LRLF to coordinate this fundraising effort and I would ask and encourage all of our members, clubs and fans to promote the campaign and support it in whatever way they can.

"These are challenging times for everyone, but we have demonstrated for many years the immense compassion of the rugby league community and I know that we can summon up the strength to support Lebanon in this time of great need."

The Lebanese Rugby League Federation is hoping to raise money to help with the relief effort ©Getty Images
The Lebanese Rugby League Federation is hoping to raise money to help with the relief effort ©Getty Images

LRLF chief executive Nayef Abi said the organisation hoped to raise at least £50,000 ($65,000/€55,000) for the relief effort.

"Once again our beloved country has been devastated," he said.

"We were already in a huge economic crisis plus the problems caused by COVID-19 and now the explosion has impacted on so many people. 

"We feel that we should and must do everything to assist.

"The LRLF would like to request an act of solidarity from the whole rugby league community around the world.

"While numerous Governmental and non-Governmental organisations are doing an amazing job on the ground, we have decided to support Lebanese first responders.

"My appeal is to all our friends involved in rugby league around the world. 

"We understand that these times are tough for everyone but please try to support LRLF if you can, as we support those who are in the most need after this terrible explosion."