The Rugby Football Union (RFU) will raise the Pride flag above Twickenham on Sunday on the day that Israel Folau returns to the home of English rugby.
The Australian courted huge controversy several years ago when he aired his religious beliefs on social media, stating that hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers” and others. It eventually saw him sacked by Rugby Australia but he will play in London for the first time since those comments.
Folau has found himself a home in Japan's rugby scene, but will take part in an exhibition match as part of a World XI, who will take on the Barbarians, led by former England boss Eddie Jones.
The Australian remains a practicing christian, even if he has stopped airing his views so passionately on social media. He is still a divisive figure however and may be subjected to a hostile reception on Sunday with the rainbow flag flying above as English rugby's governing body looks to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
RFU Chair, Tom Ilube, has said: "We want rugby to be a game of opportunity, where all receive a warm welcome, regardless of background or experience. Yet as we approach Pride month, it is important to acknowledge that people from the LGBTQ+ community continue to face discrimination and exclusion in all walks of life, sport included.
"The Barbarians have often made Twickenham their home over its 130+ year history. But we understand that many people from the LGBTQ+ community and their allies feel unwelcome and disheartened by the appeared acceptance of anti-LGBTQ+ viewpoints on the pitch.
"That is why the RFU wants to acknowledge this anxiety and is reflecting on the importance of Pride; of everyone having the right to exist as their true selves, and of feeling connected and united through rugby."
Steve Hansen, the World Cup winning coach, will take charge of the World XV and has defended his decision to pick Folau given his actions whilst also applauding the RFU for parading the Pride flag, insisting that the 34-year-old star has served his punishment.
He told BBC Sport: "They [the RFU] wouldn't be flying the flag if he [Folau] wasn't [selected]. The flag is being brought to the attention of people, and the awareness of why it is there is to support the people that are judged and treated poorly because of who they are.
"They deserve to be loved and cared for as much as anybody else. If we all did that it'd be a happy place, wouldn't it? The big lesson there is just treat everyone with kindness and love."
Hansen also added: "Israel Folau is a very good rugby player. He's world class. And I know by picking him that there will be some people hurt -and I get that. However, I want those people to understand that Israel's belief and views are not ours. And we don't agree with them.
"But he's a rugby player first and foremost and he's been sanctioned. Those sanctions have finished, he's playing rugby, he's probably going to go to the World Cup so my job is to pick the best team I can pick and that's what I've done."
