France players to wear rainbow laces against Fiji to support Gareth Thomas after homophobic assault
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Your support makes all the difference.The France national team will wear rainbow laces on their boots this weekend in support of former Wales captain Gareth Thomas, who was attacked last weekend in a homophobic assault.
The French Rugby Federation vice-president, Serge Simon, announced the supportive gesture after hearing of Thomas’ assault, which took place in Cardiff on Saturday in the hours after Wales’ victory over Tonga.
Thomas posted a video on his Twitter profile that revealed his facial injuries suffered in the assault, but he also spoke of his decision to punish his attacker – along with police officers – with restorative justice in an effort to educate the 16-year-old boy and “send a positive message”.
Thomas became the first professional rugby union player to come out as gay in 2009, while gay rights group Stonewall launched the Rainbow Laces campaign, which has received backing from the Premiership clubs as well as Premier League and Scottish Premiership sides.
With France set to face Fiji this Saturday at the Stade de France, Simon posted a message on Twitter to announce how the FFR plans on supporting former British and Irish Lions captain Thomas in a move that has been widely applauded.
“Dear Gareth Thomas, all French Rugby is with you regarding the homophobic (assault) you’ve been victim of,” Simon’s message read.
“To show our support, the French rugby players will wear a rainbow show lace during the France-Fiji game on Saturday night.
“We’re all in with you in this matter.”
Forty-four-year-old Thomas won 100 caps for Wales during an illustrious career, along with three for the Lions on the 2005 tour of New Zealand.
He also spent three years in France with Toulouse between 2004 and 2007, making 61 appearances for the Top 14 side before returning to Wales.
Following the outpouring of support, Thomas posted a statement on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon that read: “After the physical scars have healed, I feel I have to say an unbelievable THANK YOU from me and all in the LGBT community for the support I have received. Truly humbled.
“My mental scars will stay with me for some time, but will drive me to fight even more for a world where acceptance of everyone is normal.
“To the French Rugby Federations, merci. The players wearing rainbow laces in solidarity is an immense sign of inclusion.
“To the group that attacked me, please stay true to your word and apologies. I believe you all when you said sorry.”
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