All money raised from the collection old mobile phones will go towards assisting injured rugby players.

"A serious injury is a frightening prospect for any player," commented Mick Quinn of the IRFU Charitable Trust. "Through the Trust we maintain regular contact with injured players and their families to help them any way we can. With the help of BPI Telecom we are asking people to donate their old mobile phones to raise money so we can continue this service."

As part of the appeal the Trust will provide schools, rugby clubs and businesses with collection boxes which will be collected free of charge when full.

"Rugby has grown increasingly popular in recent years with the success of the Irish and provincial teams," said Brian Egan, sales director, BPI Telecom. "By asking supporters and the wider community to recycle their old handsets we hope to recreate that success for the Trust and injured players."

Volunteers for the IRFU Charitable Trust will be collecting old mobile phones outside Croke Park for Ireland's remaining two 6 Nations home fixtures on Saturday 13th March and Saturday 20th March.

The IRFU Charitable Trust was set up in 1978 to help, where possible, restore players' confidence and to assist them in their daily lives.

For more information on this appeal or to request a freepost collection bag please e-mail irfu-ct@bpi.ie or call 01 4279787.