Former National Rugby League (NRL) player Kane Evans has been met with an outpouring of support after publicly coming out as gay, becoming only the second player in NRL history to do so.
The 34-year-old former prop forward revealed his sexuality during an emotional interview on Channel Nine's 100% Footy , opening up about a decades-long internal struggle that affected his mental health, relationships and sense of self.
“I know that I’m gay. But I went down every other avenue to sort of build up these walls. To be someone, to escape who I am,” Evans said.
“I’ve carried [hiding my sexuality] around my whole life,” he said. “I’m here today to show people that you don’t have to live like that. Even now I feel a bit more free, just by saying it out loud, I’ve brought it to the light.
“I feel peace within, and I feel like a weight has lifted off my shoulders. I’m a bit proud of myself and when I look in the mirror, I’m going to smile now, not have those bad thoughts,” he added.
Evans enjoyed a lengthy professional rugby league career, making 131 appearances in the NRL between 2014 and 2021. He represented several clubs, including the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and New Zealand Warriors, before concluding his professional career with Hull FC in England's Super League in 2023. He also earned 13 international caps for Fiji.
According to Evans, the pressure of living a double life contributed to destructive behaviors and left him feeling isolated despite achieving many of his childhood ambitions. He has also spoken about facing threats of blackmail and fears that others would reveal his sexuality before he was ready to do so himself.
The Fijian-Australian has since embraced sobriety and credited support networks within the rugby league community for helping him rebuild his life. Former player Joe Galuvao, the Rugby League Players' Association and Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson were among those he acknowledged for assisting him during difficult periods.
The last NRL player to publicly come out was Ian Roberts, who made headlines more than three decades ago. Roberts was still an active player when he revealed he was gay, becoming one of the first openly gay professional rugby league players in the world. Evans is now only the second former NRL player to do so publicly.
Support for Evans has come swiftly from across the sport.
Sydney Roosters legend Anthony Minichiello praised Evans' courage, suggesting his decision could have a profound impact on others facing similar struggles. According to ABC reporting, Minichiello said Evans may have helped save lives by showing people they do not have to suffer in silence.
Former AFL player Mitch Brown, who is openly bisexual, also applauded the former NRL star's decision to share his story publicly.
"What Kane has done and did last night, I think will do so much," the former West Coast Eagles player said.
"The one thing that happens is a lot of players, a lot of men players in these spaces, these hyper-masculine sports spaces like rugby and football, you'll never know the impact that you'll cause because a lot of players will remain closeted," reported ABC.
Ian Roberts also welcomed the announcement, expressing happiness that Evans had found greater peace and comfort in his own identity after years of struggle.
