The New Zealand All Blacks team will wear rainbow laces during this weekend’s match in solidarity with former Wales International Gareth Thomas, who was the victim of a homophobic attack.
The former Wales captain, who came out as gay in 2009, was physically attacked in Cardiff city centre by a 16-year-old in what police have confirmed as a hate-crime.
The 44-year-old revealed he was attacked in a video posted to social media the following day, thanking police and the local community for their support.
The All Blacks team announced on their social media that they would be wearing rainbow laces during their test against Italy on Saturday.
A tweet from the team said: “We stand with Gareth Thomas. Rugby is a sport for all and we will show our solidarity by wearing rainbow laces in our clash with Italy this weekend.”
Thomas replied to the team saying: “I wish I could put into words what this means.”
Serge Simon, vice president of the French Rugby association said: “All of French Rugby is with you regarding the homophobic molestation you’ve been a victim of.
“To show our support, the French rugby players will wear a rainbow lace during the France Fiji game on Saturday night. We’re all with this with you no matter.”
The rainbow laces campaign was launched by gay rights group Stonewall in 2013.
Thomas spoke about his sexuality in 2009, after saying he had hidden the fact he was gay for years.
The Bridgend native has won 100 caps for Wales and captained the national side at the British and Irish Lions.
