THE Welsh Rugby Union has joined forces with the Gurkhas to raise money for the people of Nepal where earthquakes have claimed more than 3,700 lives and left thousands more injured or homeless.

Troops from the 200 year old Regiment, including those based at the Infantry Battleschool at Deringlines, Brecon, will focus a fundraising appeal at the Wales V Ireland Dove Men Test warm-up international at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on August 8.

Money raised at the event will go to the Gurkha Welfare Trust Earthquake Appeal which is already working in Nepal at the forefront of the aid and rescue operation.

At the Wales v Ireland international, more than 50 Gurkahs will be involved in the event and will form a guard of honour for the teams entering the pitch and will be holding the national flags of each of the participating sides during the pre-match build-up as well as a bucket collection aimed at raising thousands of pounds for the appeal fund.

The Gurkha troops have a close affinity to Wales with a permanent training presence at the Battle School in Brecon, Powys.

Many Ex-Gurkha troops have settled with their families in Wales after retiring from the army.