Batley Bulldogs captain and rugby league star Keegan Hirst is leading the charge as the first British rugby league professional to come out as gay. 

In an interview with the Sunday Mirror, the 27-year-old father of two said he hopes his coming out will encourage other rugby league players. He hopes his experience will embolden those who may be in a similar position to be honest with themselves and speak openly about their emotions.

“I’m comfortable in my own skin, probably for the first time ever. I’m not withholding anything and there’s not that sense of dread. I suppose the stereotype of a rugby player is, you’re supposed to be tough, you’re supposed to be macho," Hirst said.

"I thought I’d be disowned by friends and family but I haven’t been. People keep saying I’m brave – I don’t feel brave. I’m just talking about me."

Hirst admitted he has struggled with to come to terms his sexuality throughout his life. At his lowest point he said he did contemplate taking his own life.  

Hirst, who recently separated from his wife, said he had to summon up the courage to come out. After telling his wife a few weeks ago, he then went on to tell his team mates who surprised him with their encouragement. 

“The support from my team-mates and other rugby league players has really surprised me, it’s all been positive," Hirst said. 

“These are tough blokes. We go out on the field together and it’s 26 blokes knocking seven shades out of each other. But on the other side of it, you go through blood, sweat and tears together – and they’ve been there for me when I needed them most.”

Chief Executive of the gay men's health charity, Matthew Hodson, has described Hirst's announcement as a significant moment for both the sporting and the gay communities. 

"It's clear for him that this was a real struggle. I think it's really important that for other people who have come from very traditional backgrounds, and have that expectation of 'this is what a man is', to find out that rugby players, builders, other sportspeople are gay."