Steve Tew: New Zealand ready for a gay All Black

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew. (Photo / Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images)

New Zealand rugby chief executive Steve Tew told Newshub that he believes Kiwis are ready for a gay All Black.

Tew spoke as New Zealand's major sporting bodies united Tuesday to commit to greater diversity and inclusion.

Officials from rugby, cricket, football, netball, rugby league and hockey will establish framework by the end of the year in an effort to combat prejudice in sport.

Tew said "our job is to nurture a team culture and environment where everybody can come in and be the best possible athlete and person they can be."

When asked if he thought New Zealand and All Blacks fans were ready for a gay All Black, Tew said "absolutely" before making reference to New Zealand's Black Ferns side and women's sevens team that already have "a great level of sexual diversity".

Tew also mentioned the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, which was refereed by Welshman Nigel Owens who is openly gay.

"No one has yet said they're an All Black and gay, one day that will happen and I would hope that New Zealand is more than ready, in fact is welcoming of it" said Tew.