The French rugby team will wear rainbow bootlaces in their game against Fiji this weekend as a show of support for former Wales international, Gareth Thomas, who was the subject of a homophobic attack in his hometown of Cardiff last weekend.
"Last night I was the victim, in my home city, of a hate crime for my sexuality," Thomas said in video released on Sunday, one where he appeared bruised and battered.
"Why I want it [the video] to be positive is because I want to say thank you to the police who were involved and were helpful and allowed me to do restorative justice with the people who did this, because I think they can learn more that way than any other way.
"And also to the people of Cardiff who supported me and helped me because there's a lot of people out there who want to hurt us.
"But unfortunately for them, there's a lot more who want to help us heel. So this I hope will be a positive message."
South Wales police subsequently confirmed that at teenager had been responsible for the attack.
Serge Simon, vice president of the French Rugby Federation, tweeted on Tuesday to say that the team would be making the gesture.
Dear @gareththomas14,
All of French Rugby is with you regarding the homophobic molestation you’ve been victim of.
To show our support, the French rugby players will wear a rainbow shoe lace during the France – Fidji game on Saturday night.
We’re all in with you in this matter.— Serge Simon (@DrSergeSIMON) November 20, 2018
Picture credit; Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
