Gareth Thomas, all of French Rugby is with you! France team to wear rainbow laces after homophobic attack

Thomas (left) played for French side Toulouse between 2004 and 2007: AFP/Getty Images/Lionel Bonaventure
Thomas (left) played for French side Toulouse between 2004 and 2007: AFP/Getty Images/Lionel Bonaventure

The France rugby team will show their support to Gareth Thomas this weekend following the homophobic assault his suffered last week .

The former Wales captain, who came out as gay in 2009, was physically attacked in Cardiff city centre by a 16-year-old in what the police confirmed as a ‘hate crime’.

The 44-year-old, who played for French side Toulouse for three seasons, revealed his attacked in a video posted to social media the following day, thanking police and the local community for their support.

And this Saturday, French players will wear rainbow laces in support of Thomas during their Test match against Fiji in Paris.

"Dear Gareth Thomas, all French Rugby is with you,” tweeted French Rugby Federation vice-president Serge Simon.

"To show our support, the French rugby players will wear a rainbow shoe lace during the France - Fiji game on Saturday night. We're all in with you in this matter."

The rainbow laces campaign was launched by gay rights group Stonewall in 2013.