Super League contacted Keegan Hirst on weekend about Israel Folau signing
Keegan Hirst says Super League officials got in touch with him last weekend regarding the Israel Folau announcement.
Catalans have signed Folau on a one-year contract despite him being sacked by Rugby Australia last year for homophobic comments on social media.
Hirst, who is the only current out professional gay rugby league player, is extremely disappointed by the Dragons’ decision to sign Folau.
He said: “There is a bit of anger in me, disappointment and shock.
“It has gone against everything rugby league stands for and prides itself on and expects from its players and fans. This signing has just alienated all those people.
“I spoke to Super League over the weekend, who were against it. They didn’t want it to go ahead and they let me know that was the case but it turns out that they don’t have the power to do anything which is a little bit worrying and that is the card the RFL have played as well, which I don’t agree with.
“They talk about bringing the game into disrepute and I think had his comments of been made whilst he was playing – he would certainly have put the game into disrepute.”
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