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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

Joe Launchbury of Wasps wears the rainbow laces of The Stonewall initiative, a campaign against homophobic discrimination in sport, September 2013

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.

A Hull City player sports the rainbow laces in the game against West Bromwich Albion
Image: The Rainbow Laces campaign has garnered support from many sports, including football

"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."

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Wembley Rainbow Laces
Image: The Wembley stadium arch was lit up in support of the Rainbow Laces campaign last November

England's match against Samoa will be shown live on Sky Sports Action from 2.30pm on Saturday, November 25

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