English Rugby unites to support the Rainbow Laces campaign
THE RFU, Premiership Rugby and the RPA will come together this week to support Rainbow Laces.
The campaign run by Stonewall to promote LGBT inclusion in sport. From Gallagher Premiership Rugby to the Tyrrells Premier 15s and into the grassroots game fans will see the game in England turn Rainbow this weekend with a series of initiatives to show that rugby is everyone’s sport.
As part of the commitment:
- All six Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches this weekend are dedicated to Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, with match official shirts carrying the special rainbow version of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby logo
- All Gallagher Premiership Rugby and Tyrrells Premier 15s players are being invited to wear Rainbow Laces
- England Women v Italy Women – Quilter International. England and Italy teams were invited to wear laces. There was also big screen and matchday programme support.
- Tyrrells Premier 15s – all players and match officials invited to wear Rainbow Laces over the next two rounds. Some teams will link in with their men’s teams or universities.
- Gallagher & Premiership Rugby volunteers will be handing out 4,500 pairs of Rainbow Laces at the weekend matches taking place at Bath Rugby, Northampton Saints, Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs.
- Branding at matches to carry Rainbow Laces messaging or be turned rainbow to celebrate the weekend. This will include the flags used by assistant referees and LEDs pitchside supporting the campaign
- The centre of the pitch at the Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers on Saturday and Harlequins v Gloucester Rugby on Sunday – which are live on BT Sport – will be emblazoned with the special ‘rainbow’ Gallagher Premiership Rugby logo
- Premiership Rugby and Gallagher – through their social media channels – will run a Rainbow Laces photographic competition with the winner receiving four tickets to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final on 20 June
- Should you wish to buy Rainbow Laces click here
The weekend will form part of the RFU, Premiership Rugby and the RPA’s commitment to inclusion.
Steve Grainger, rugby development director at the RFU said: “We believe that rugby is a sport for all, regardless of background, gender, sexuality or race. By supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign and wearing the laces, rugby is making a strong public statement that we want our sport to be diverse and inclusive.”
Wayne Morris the Community and CSR Director at Premiership Rugby, added: “We have been a long-term supporter of the Rainbow Laces campaign – since 2014 - and are delighted to join again with Gallagher and BT Sport as part of our inclusion work.
“Our aim is to be the most welcoming league in the world to fans of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and circumstances and we are committed to ensuring that rugby continues to be everyone’s game.
“We welcome and celebrate diversity, and we strive to make our competitions and activities available and enjoyable to as many people as possible in whatever capacity they wish.”
And Christian Day, RPA player liaison officer added: “The RPA are committed to creating an inclusive environment in our game. Rugby is a sport for everybody so we’re proud to support the Rainbow Laces campaign this weekend.”
