In a League of his own?

Super League’s first openly gay player has slammed the decision of the Rugby Football League to allow Catalans Dragons to sign Israel Folau.

Wakefield Trinity prop Keegan Hirst said he was shocked and disappointed at news of Folau’s signing following his sacking by Rugby Australia last year for homophobic comments he made on Instagram.

‘‘Our great game is tasked with fighting against homophobia and standing up for the values it puts such high stock in,’’ Hirst tweeted. ‘‘It shows none of the bravery, camaraderie or integrity RFL expects from its players, staff and fans.’’

Folau signed a 12-month deal with the French side on Tuesday, 10 years after he last played in the NRL with Brisbane Broncos.

The move was largely greeted with outrage by the British rugby league community with Wigan confirming they will stage a Pride Day when hosting the French club in March.

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone admitted he was disappointed at the signing but said there was little he could do to prevent it.

‘‘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,’’ Elstone said.

‘‘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.’’

Folau’s infamous Instagram post in which he warned hell awaits homosexuals resulted in his sacking last May.

But the two parties agreed an out-of-court settlement in December after the former Wallaby sued Rugby Australia for religious discrimination.

The RFL echoed Elstone’s comments but said the moral responsibility for signing a player lies with individual clubs given the former cross-code superstar had not been charged or found guilty of any criminal offence.

Folau said he’d taken on board the concerns and promised not to make any comments that could cause offence.

‘‘I acknowledge the views expressed by Super League and the Rugby Football League,’’ Folau said.

‘‘I’m a proud Christian, my beliefs are personal, my intention is not to hurt anyone and I will not be making further public comment about them.

‘‘I look forward to my return to the great game of rugby league with the Catalans Dragons.’’

Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch said his club wanted to give Folau a new opportunity but didn’t share his religious beliefs.

‘‘We do not believe those views should be publicly expressed, especially by a high-profile sports person,’’ Guasch said.

‘‘We have a signed agreement with the RFL. Any transgression will trigger an immediate termination of Israel’s contract and a substantial fine for the club.’’

Wakefield Trinity chief executive Michael Carter, whose club will be the first team to host Catalans next weekend, made it clear that Folau’s ‘‘abhorrent’’ views were not welcome.

‘‘Personally, I do not think his signing should have been entertained whatsoever,’’ Carter told The Guardian.

‘‘I’m a proud Christian, my beliefs are personal, my intention is not to hurt anyone.’’

Israel Folau