Rugby stars wore rainbow laces in support of Gareth Thomas

Rugby stars from across the world wore rainbow laces to support former Wales international Gareth Thomas after he was a victim of a homophobic attack.

The Welsh Rugby Union made the laces available to the international team who sported the colourful laces along the likes of New Zealand, the USA and France.

Officials across the sport also showed their support.

Read more: Support for Gareth Thomas after city centre attack

Gareth Thomas, who won 100 caps for his country, was the victim of a homophobic assault in Cardiff on Saturday evening.

The 44-year-old came, who out as gay in 2009, appeared bruised in a Twitter video, saying he was targeted because of his sexuality.

In response to the campaign, he said on Twitter 'I wish I could put into words what this means.'

Officers dealt with a 16-year-old boy by way of restorative justice following a request by Thomas to "send a positive message".

The Rainbow Laces campaign began in 2013, when gay rights group Stonewall invited footballers in England and Scotland to wear them, and in 2017 Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones made a public show of support by wearing the laces for his team's clash with New Zealand.