The All Blacks will wear rainbow laces in their boots for this weekend's test against Italy on Sunday (NZ time) to show support for Gareth Thomas, after the former Wales captain was the victim of an anti-gay attack.
The 44-year-old, who came out as gay in 2009 - two years after retiring from rugby - posted a video on his Twitter page last weekend saying he was assaulted in Cardiff, targeted because of his sexuality.
"This morning, I decided to make what I hope will be a positive video," Thomas said. "Last night, I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality.
"Why I want it to be positive is because I want to say thank you to the police who were involved and have allowed me to do restorative justice with the people who did this, because I thought they could learn more this 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 that want to help us heal."
South Wales Police said a 16-year-old boy has admitted to carrying out the assault.
Following the news, Wales, England and France all came out in support of Thomas, and said they would wear rainbow laces for their matches this weekend - and now the All Blacks will follow suit.
Thomas said on Twitter: "I wish I could put into words how much this means."
Captain Kieran Read said it is important for the All Blacks to show their support towards the LGBT community.
"Most of the lads will be wearing the rainbow laces, and I think it shows some solidarity in world rugby and from us here as New Zealand and as All Blacks to show support for that community."
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