Hirst takes aim at Catalans and RFL as Folau moves to France
HALIFAX FRONT rower Keegan Hirst - Britain’s only openly gay professional - has joined the barrage of criticism levelled at Catalans Dragons and the Rugby Football League following the signing of former Australia rugby union and league international Israel Folau.
Folau, who was sacked last May by Rugby Australia following anti-LGBT posts on social media, signed on a one-year contract with the Super League side on Tuesday.
The RFL said it had faced a “difficult decision” but confirmed Folau’s registration with the Dragons will not be prevented, angering Hirst, who moved to the Shay on a permanent deal from Wakefield in the autumn, as well as several other top tier teams.
“There’s a bit of anger, disappointment and shock,” said Hirst.
“It’s gone against everything Rugby League stands for, prides itself on and expects of its players and fans. This signing has undermined and alienated all of those people.”
Hirst also said Super League had been in contact with him prior to the announcement being made.
“I spoke to them over the weekend and they were against it, they didn’t want it to go ahead and they let me know that was the case,” he said.
“It turns out they don’t have the power to do anything which is worrying. That’s the card the RFL has played which I don’t necessarily agree with.
“They talk about bringing the game into disrepute, and I think we can safely say if his comments had been made when playing he certainly would have done that.
“This is a guy who was rejected by the AFL and NRL. Catalan Dragons are saying come on over, they either don’t care about what he’s said or they do care but are willing to park their values for a few extra tries a year.”
In 2015, Hirst came out as gay while playing for Batley before moving on to Trinity in 2017
Folau reached a settlement with Rugby Australia in December having sued for £7.4m on the grounds of religious discrimination.
In a statement explaining their decision to allow Folau’s registration, the RFL said: “However distasteful his previous comments, we don’t believe that, under our current regulatory framework, these can prevent his participation in the sport.”
Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone has criticised the signing, and revealed he “made Catalans Dragons aware of those views” before the deal was completed.
“Super League deplores the homophobic comments Israel Folau has made in the past, which squarely contradict our sport’s core values,” he said.
“I have sought the opinion of informed voices connected to our game, and the majority share my disappointment that one of our clubs has chosen to sign him. There is a strong feeling that the decision to sign him lets down many people connected to our sport.
“I made Catalans Dragons aware of those views. However, Super League does not have the authority to veto the registration of players and is satisfied by the due diligence carried out by The Rugby Football League.”
Shortly after Folau’s signing was confirmed, fellow Super League side Wigan Warriors announced their game against Catalans Dragons on March 22 would be ‘Pride Day’ as the Warriors “look to support the LGBTQ+ community.”
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