WALES’ rugby stars are backing a campaign to help tackle homophobic abuse and bullying – and spectators at today’s international against the mighty All Blacks will be asked to join them.

The players, including Newport Gwent Dragons number eight Taulupe Faletau, have signed up to the charity Stonewall’s NoBystanders campaign, which is seeking to tackle an issue that estimates suggest will affect more than 75,000 young people this year.

The Welsh Rugby Union is also backing the campaign, following alleged homophobic abuse directed at openly-gay referee Nigel Owens by a small group of England supporters during the England v New Zealand match at Twickenham two weeks ago. The Rugby Football Union is currently investigating after a complaint from another fan.

Stonewall claims 21,000 of those young people affected this year by homophobic abuse and bullying will attempt suicide, and warns of a devastating impact on young people’s self-esteem.

One in three who experience homophobic bullying are believed to change their plans for future education because of such abuse.

Today’s sell-out Millennium Stadium crowd will be shown the NoBystanders campaign video, featuring Sir Ian McKellen.

“The support of the Wales squad in calling out bullying language sends a message to thousands of supporters that we all have a part to play in stopping bullying. It’s time we all speak up and stop being bystanders to abuse,” said Stonewall Cymru director Andrew White.

Nigel Owens said he has been heartened by the reaction of the rugby community against homophobic and other harmful language.

“Recently, comments were thrown at me as I was simply doing my job. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect me – you get disappointed and down; it gets to you. We are only human and when people say horrible things about you, it gets in your mind,” he said.

“It’s a situation that too many people face in their own workplaces, schools and community. I won’t be a bystander to abuse and I hope that fans of the game will really get behind this campaign.”

l For more information about Stonewall’s NoBystanders campaign, visit nobystanders.org.uk