(CNN) -- As an openly gay figure in one of the most masculine of sports Nigel Owens is a rarity -- but he might never have achieved his iconic status in rugby union if he had gone ahead with plans for a chemical castration.

This British rugby team won’t put up with homophobic fans.

Rugby is by far the most popular sport in Australia, and the Sydney Convicts hope to use a recent win as a springboard to attack a bigger issue — homophobia in sports.

(CNN) English rugby has been praised for clamping down on homophobia in the sport, though a leading gay referee warns there is still work to be done in eradicating the problem.

LONDON - England's Rugby Football Union is investigating allegations of anti-gay abuse aimed at referee Nigel Owens during last weekend's test match between England and New Zealand.

During Australia’s postal survey on marriage equality, Macklemore is spreading a message of love — and reaching number 1 on the charts.

SYDNEY (AP) Organizers of the Bingham Cup, the world cup of gay rugby, have initiated an international study of discrimination based on sexuality in sports.

52 UK rugby players stripped off all their clothes for a calendar shoot to bring awareness to the epidemic of testicular cancer. A total of six teams participated in the charity event that will raise funds for Great Britain’s Balls to Cancer.

English soccer and rugby teams took to the pitch with multi-color laces to support the fight against homophobia.

LONDON (CNN) -- The first time Mark Bithell and his all-gay rugby team lined up against a straight side, he was overcome by a sense of his own masculinity.