An appeal launched by Saracens Rugby Club has resulted in £20,000 worth of kit and equipment being sent out to players in Romania.

Supporters of the Watford-based club and schoolchildren in the area have been busy collecting kit for The SOS Romania Rugby Appeal. They gathered were around 150 pairs of boots, 400 shirts, 240 pairs of shorts, 175 pairs of socks, 55 rugby balls and 90 tracksuit tops.

Romanian rugby clubs are currently desperately short of equipment, and the appeal will enable players to take to the field in authentic rugby gear.

The items, packed in 33 boxes, were delivered to Romania free of charge by British Airways last week.

John Broadfoot, the SOS Romanian Rugby appeal co-ordinator, said: "I am absolutely thrilled that Saracens and British Airways have shown imagination and compassion in helping our Romanian brothers and sisters."