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Premiership Rugby side Harlequins 'come out' for LGBT equality

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Harlequins captain James Horwill lends his support to Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign

Aviva Premiership Rugby side Harlequins have been out in the community in support of LGBT equality ahead of the beginning of Rainbow Laces Week.

Sport will 'come out' for LGBT equality later this month in the biggest show of support the Rainbow Laces campaign has ever seen.

Running from next Friday through to December 3, the week of action is all about welcoming and accepting LGBT people at all levels of sport.

England Rugby, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players' Association are all supporting the campaign.

James Horwill of Quins poses for a portrait during the Harlequins photocall for the 2017-2018 Aviva Premiership Rugby season
Image: Horwill says everyone in rugby 'is there for each other'

Speaking to Sky Sports News during a community event to promote the Stonewall initiative, Harlequins captain James Horwill said rugby is a sport which truly embraces diversity.

"Rugby is a team sport," said the 32-year-old former Australia international, who joined Quins two years ago.

'Make sport everyone's game' - Rainbow Laces campaign, Stonewall

"It is for everyone, it is about the team performing together and it's about welcoming everybody into that team, no matter what your background is and where you're from. I think that is something that rugby does really well.

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"In this team [Harlequins], we have everybody from all different backgrounds, from all around the world, and welcoming everybody into our team and our family sends such a great message to society.

"It's all about that common goal, and being there for each other.

"I think rugby in particular is very good at that at all levels, not just the professional level, but all the way through."

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