2:30 Catalans Dragons' signing of Israel Folau has undermined rugby league's work on equality and inclusion, says Halifax's Keegan Hirst, who came out publicly as gay in 2015 Catalans Dragons' signing of Israel Folau has undermined rugby league's work on equality and inclusion, says Halifax's Keegan Hirst, who came out publicly as gay in 2015Britain's only out professional gay rugby league player Keegan Hirst says he is "shocked and disappointed" by the Catalans Dragons' signing of former Australia rugby union player Israel Folau. "It's gone against everything Rugby League stands for, prides itself on and expects of its players and fans. 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," Elstone said. He's made his opinions very clear and I don't think those are in keeping with the ethos of rugby league.

Source: Sky sports January 28, 2020 14:04 UTC