Less than an hour after Israel Folau's move to Catalans Dragons was confirmed, Wigan Warriors announced that their fixture with Dragons will be 'Pride Day'.
Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia last year for making homophobic comments on Instagram.
The former Australia rugby union international said "hell awaits" "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators", on his Instagram account last April.
The French Super League club's decision to give him a one-year contract has been roundly criticised while Super League Executive Chairman Robert Elstone has expressed 'disappointment' with the news.
The round six Super League clash between Warriors and Dragons is fixed for Sunday, March 22.
As part of the Pride Day, which aims to support the LGBTQ+ community, the Warriors players will wear rainbow socks provided by kit suppliers Hummel.
They will also wear rainbow laces for the game while the club are also inviting LGBTQ+ groups, both locally and nationally, to be part of the day.
Wigan Warriors executive director, Kris Radlinski was keen to put out a positive message in the wake of today's news regarding Folau.
"Here at Wigan Warriors we are committed to the core values of Inclusion and Respect," said Radlinski.
"Our community foundation has a long history of supporting local LGBTQ+ groups and initiatives, and we want everyone who engages with our game to feel welcome, valued and most of all, respected.
"Rugby League has a strong history of inclusion, of breaking down barriers and of being a forward-thinking sport.
"I think that today more than any day that it is vitally important we reiterate that message.
"We’re looking forward to working with charities, local and hopefully national groups, to make this day a success."
The Warriors say they will announce activities and promotions of the Pride Round clash against the Catalans Dragons in the upcoming weeks.
