Keegan Hirst is set to come out of retirement and return to rugby league action after he accused NRL players of using religion to mask their homophobia.
Hirst, the former Wakefield Trinity prop, became the first British player to publicly come out as gay when he did so in 2015 before retiring in 2020. His return must wait until next season after it emerged he is not eligible to play for Batley Bulldogs in this campaign due to a Rugby Football League (RFL) registration ruling.
The 34-year-old has been training with Batley since last month and was originally named in the 21-man squad to play Sheffield Eagles on Wednesday, but he has since been withdrawn. Hirst had originally agreed to re-sign for Batley in 2020 but chose to retire in October of that year.
Hirst has claimed the decision to return to the pitch and continue his rugby league career was to ‘help with visibility and inclusion’ amid a controversial week in the sport. Last week, seven Manly Warringah Sea Eagles players refused to play and boycotted a match in protest against a special shirt to promote LGBT+ inclusivity within the sport.
Their absence is a protest at being asked to wear the club’s ‘Everyone in League’ campaign, which features a rainbow pattern traditionally associated with the Pride movement. Hirst condemned the players who have claimed ‘cultural and religious beliefs’ as their excuse for refusing to wear the shirt ahead of the clash against Sydney Roosters last Thursday.
In a statement released by Sky Sports, Hirst said: “Covid added to my own personal circumstances which made me lose touch with some of the things that 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 help with visibility and inclusion.
“I still have plenty of games in me and I'm looking forward to helping Batley continue their incredible season.”
The Bulldogs are experiencing an impressive season in the second-tier Championship and are set to claim a play-off place as they lie fourth in the table. As for the Sea Eagles, coach Des Hasler apologised on behalf of the club on Tuesday for their poorly executed shirt launch.
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“They [the players] are not wearing the jersey as it conflicts with their cultural and religious beliefs, and I am concerned for their welfare,” Hasler said. “Their spirituality is a central part of their wellbeing. The club has made an error from which it will learn. The players will not play on Thursday and we accept their decision.
“These young men are strong in their beliefs and convictions. We’ll give them space and the support they require. The playing group are solid and understanding of each other’s views.”
The seven players who moved to boycott the match against Sydney are Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley.
