The Welsh Rugby Union have confirmed Wales will don rainbow laces on their boots in a show of support to former captain Gareth Thomas who was the victim of a homophobic attack last weekend.
The team’s try-laden victory over Tonga in Cardiff was overshadowed by a physical attack on Thomas following the end of the match.
And Warren Gatland’s side will now wear the Stonewall laces when they draw their autumn schedule to a close against South Africa on Saturday.
The move follows French rugby federation vice-president Serge Simon’s announcement that France’s team will also wear rainbow laces for their match against Fiji, in an act of solidarity with the LGBT community and the former Toulouse full-back.
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) November 18, 2018
Thomas came out as gay in 2009 two years after his international retirement at the Rugby World Cup.
A Heineken Cup winner with Toulouse, Thomas stands as one of only four players to reach 100 caps for Wales.