AI Chat Search Browse Media On This Day Map Quotations Timeline Research Free Datasets Remembered About Contact

Hurricane players wear rainbow laces for LGBTI fans

Mon 30 May 2016 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback

New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams celebrated diversity this weekend, with two players in particular showing their support for LGBTI communities. For this past weekend's double-derby blockbuster round, Super Rugby players donned brightly laced boots to encourage fans celebrate diversity within the sport. Victor Vasefanua Junior Vito, who plays blindside flanker for the All Blacks and who plays for the Hurricanes shared a photo of himself and teammate Ardie Savea, lacing up with rainbow colours “in support of our gay brothers and sisters”. On his Instagram account, where he shared the photo, Vito wrote “We ain’t got no time for discrimination, just love”. The photo has over 3500 ‘likes’, with people commenting and thanking the men for their support of LGBTI communities. New Zealand Rugby General Manager Neil Sorensen say the rugby community is stronger because of diversity. “This week is about acknowledging our fans and players who come from all walks of life,” he said. “Wearing bright laces or any bright colours are an easy way for people to support the idea that regardless of shape or size, background or beliefs, rugby is a game for everyone.”    

Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff

First published: Monday, 30th May 2016 - 12:35pm

Rights Information

This page displays a version of a GayNZ.com article that was automatically harvested before the website closed. All of the formatting and images have been removed and some text content may not have been fully captured correctly. The article is provided here for personal research and review and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of PrideNZ.com. If you have queries or concerns about this article please email us