Hurricanes players wear rainbow laces to 'support diversity' in wake of Israel Folau controversy

Amidst the controversy stirred by Israel Folau and his outspoken views on same-sex marriage and homosexuality, other players in Super Rugby have been promoting inclusiveness.

TJ Perenara and Ardie Savea were among a group of Hurricanes stars who wore rainbow shoelaces during Friday night's game against the Blues.

"Jamming rainbow laces with the brothers to support diversity in our game," Savea said on Instagram.

"More than a game," Perenara said, sharing a photo of himself and Savea with teammates Michael Fatialofa and Blade Thomson holding their boots in the sheds.

The All Black was one of the first players who publicly opposed the divisive beliefs shared by Folau.

The Hurricanes defeated the Sonny Bill Williams' Blues 36-15 at Eden Park for their ninth consecutive win to snatch the competition lead from the Crusaders.

The Crusaders can leap-frog them however with victory over the NSW Waratahs on Saturday.