Keegan Hirst, who became the first British professional rugby league footballer to come out as gay in 2015, and retired in 2020 has announced he will return to the sport, joining the Batley Bulldogs to increase visibility of gay players and also to combat homophobia in the sport.

“COVID, added to my own personal circumstances, made me lost tough with some of the things I hold dearest to me – friends and rugby league, After the recent thinly-veiled homophobia over a rainbow shirt I thought: ‘How can I help with visibility and inclusion?’ By lacing up my boots, putting on a playing shirt and getting back out there, that’s how. I still have plenty of games in me and am looking forward to help Batley continue their incredible season as they ready for their playoff campaign.” – via Pink News

Thanks Keegan.

Oh and by the way it’s alright by us if you leave your “playing shirt” off.