Rugby players from across the globe rallied behind hate-crime victim Gareth Thomas as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign. World champions New Zealand and USA followed the likes of Wales and France in showing support for the 44-year-old former Wales international. Thomas was the victim of a homophobic attack in Cardiff earlier this month. He said on Twitter: “I wish I could put in words what this means.” The Welsh Rugby Union made laces available to their men’s and women’s national teams, both in action earlier.