England Rugby to support Rainbow Laces campaign at Twickenham
Support for LGBT inclusion in rugby during England's autumn international v Samoa on November 25, and in Aviva Premiership matches
Tuesday 31 October 2017 16:55, UK
England Rugby have linked up with Premiership Rugby, the Rugby Players' Association and Stonewall to support and promote LGBT inclusion in rugby.
As part of England Rugby's four-year strategic plan, the governing body has underlined its commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels of the game.
England Rugby will promote Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign, which will run throughout November, during England's Sky Live autumn international against Samoa at Twickenham on November 25.
Clubs and players across the community will also be informed of ways to promote inclusion and how to get behind the campaign.
Rugby development director at the RFU, Steve Grainger, said: "Rugby is a game for all and at the core of our strategic plan is our commitment to ensuring that rugby provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for all across every level of the game.
"We are delighted to join forces with Stonewall, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players' Association on Rainbow Laces to ensure the LGBT community feel supported whether they are players, coaches, referees, volunteers or spectators."
Ruth Hunt of Stonewall added: "We know that rugby is one of England's most popular sports and we know that it prides itself on being inclusive, with respect, teamwork and sportsmanship as one of its core values."
England's match against Samoa will be shown live on Sky Sports Action from 2.30pm on Saturday, November 25
