Rugby team Sheffield Eagles are to wear t-shirts to oppose homophobia at a home game on Sunday.
Sports fan Elton John said he was �delighted� at the initiative, while gay sportsmen Gareth Thomas and Steven Davies also gave their support.
The strip, funded by the LGBT History Month and Pride Sports, bears the slogan �Homophobia: Tackle It!�.
The team will wear the strip to play against Widnes Vikings.
John said: �I am delighted to hear about Sheffield Eagles� initiative.
�I feel that an enormous step forward is being undertaken when Rugby League recognises the diversity of human sexuality. I applaud all those involved in this initiative.�
The Eagles also received support from gay sports stars including Gareth Thomas, John Amaechi and English cricketer Steven Davies, who came out recently.
Davies said: �There may be added pressures in sports as the number of people that have come out is so small so it�s great that Rugby League is taking this step.�
Amaechi, who came out in 2007, said: �I am really proud to see Sheffield Eagles take such a proactive step to break stereotypes and embrace their entire fan base.
�It says something truly positive that it is rugby out of all our top sports and a team based in Sheffield in particular � a city I am proud to say I lived in � that are leading the way.�
In November, the Rugby Football League held a reception in parliament to launch a campaign to welcome gay fans and players.
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