The clash between two of the four sides in European Championship B is due to take place at Belgrade’s Makis Stadium on July 4, as part of the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) Congress.

Radoslav Novaković, chairman of the Belgrade Rugby League Federation, said: “If anyone knows what it means to be denied to represent your country because of politics, we in Serbia do.

“We wanted to help our friends, and if the world looks at Ukraine versus Russia as something more than the game, we can show that rugby league is more than the sport.

“The Belgrade Rugby League Federation financially and organisationally support this match.”

The move comes after it proved impossible to stage the game either in Kharkiv, or in Belgorod, a Russian city close to the Ukrainian border.

Serbia is one of the other teams in European Championship B, along with Italy; Russia emerged victorious from its home match against Ukraine, winning 24-18.

The top three teams from the quartet will earn places in the European zone qualifiers for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Ukraine Rugby League Federation President Artur Martyrosyan said: “Ukrainians and Russians are brotherly, friendly people.

“What is happening between the leadership of the nations defies explanation.

“We all hope that the situation will improve soon and that we will once more be able to play rugby league against each other in our own countries.

“In the meantime, we wish to extend our thanks to our Serbian friends who have stepped in as hosts.

“Let us hope that this show of unity between our three Federations will be a worthy example for others.

“Sport has always united, and when a sport as hard as rugby league serves to bring people together, the message is all the stronger.”

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