Rugby: Chiefs players sport rainbow laces in clash against Reds

Brad Weber wore rainbow boot laces for the Chiefs' clash against the Reds. Source: Instagram/@brad_weber9

Chiefs halfback Brad Weber took his support for the LGBT community to the pitch last night, sporting rainbow-coloured boot laces.

Weber was the first high-profile rugby player to speak out after Wallabies fullback Israel Folau, a highly religious man, shared his belief on social media that homosexuals would "go to hell."

The one-test All Black was one of a number of Chiefs players to wear the colourful laces to show their support.

Thanks to @brad_weber9 and the other Chiefs boys for their support on the field last night. ❤️🏉🌈

The boys from the @NZ_Falcons, @brishustlers, @IGRugby were only too happy to rustle up some laces to add some colour and love to your rugby kit. #gameforeveryone pic.twitter.com/HSMcA288Lc

— ᴅʀ ᴅᴇᴀɴ ᴋɴɪɢʜᴛ (@drdeanknight) April 21, 2018

Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara also took a stand against Folau's comments, and donated $500 to NZ Falcons, an Auckland-based gay and inclusive rugby team, who were fundraising to travel to a tournament in June.